Guatemala

Working With Children in Guatemala



Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on World Vision operations

In support of public health recommendations outlined by the World Health Organization, some sponsorship program activities have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Activities may include sponsor queries and correspondence, sponsor visits, gift notifications and gift deliveries. These temporary suspensions may affect the information you receive from us in the coming weeks and months. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.
For many children in Guatemala, poverty and violence are far too often common companions with homicide rates among the highest in the world outside of war zones. To protect children from the violence around them, we work with pastors, teachers, community leaders and the children themselves to raise awareness and implement strategies to help kids be safe and thrive.

More than half of Guatemala’s population live below the poverty line and one half of the children are malnourished. Along with income-supporting programs, we help parents cultivate diversified backyard vegetable gardens and learn how to maximize nutritional benefits in meal preparation. 

Building sustainable futures together

World Vision child sponsorship in Guatemala starts with understanding what is preventing children from surviving and thriving in their community. We then work with the community to bring the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. In Guatemala, Canadian sponsors and donors are bringing practical, life-changing help to children in real need.

 

Your impact in Guatemala

Together, we’re making real change in the lives of children, families and communities. Just some of what was achieved with Canadian support in the past year:
  • 149 children and youth participated in activities aimed at ending violence against children.
  • 167 children and adults participated in trainings on child protection, including gender-based violence, positive parenting, children's rights and early marriage.
  • 6,769 people are participating in activities that provide spiritual nurture and encouragement for children.
  • 78 community leaders and representatives from partner organizations received training, equipping them to be more effective in their roles.
Results of World Vision Canada's projects between October 2020 and September 2021,
in partnership with the World Food Programme, Global Affairs Canada and other institutional donors
 
  • 22 malnourished children recovered their health because of nutrition treatment.
  • 17 pregnant or lactating women who received maternal health and nutrition services.
  • 142 children benefitted from community health screenings, home visits and health centre referrals for children under five. 
  • 1 malnourished children between six months old and age five were admitted to supplementary feeding programs and outpatient therapeutic nutrition programs.
  • 16 people participated in trainings, counseling or activities intended to teach healthy nutrition and feeding practices.
Results of World Vision Canada's projects between October 2020 and September 2021,
in partnership with the World Food Programme, Global Affairs Canada and other institutional donors
 
  • 171 children attended early childhood development centres.
  • 470 female and male youth completed values-based entrepreneurship and job skills training through the Youth Ready curriculum.
  • 11 caregivers received training to support their children's early reading skills using the Unlock Literacy approach.
  • 71 teachers received training in topics such as literacy, early childhood development and child-centered approaches.
  • 1,965 reading materials were provided to schools and communities in support of children's education.
Results of World Vision Canada's projects between October 2020 and September 2021,
in partnership with the World Food Programme, Global Affairs Canada and other institutional donors
 
  • 31 youth gained wage-earning employment.
  • 7 active savings groups created settings for members to learn financial skills, save money collectively and gain access to small loans.
  • 19 people were actively involved in savings groups, providing them with financial literacy training and access to small loans.
  • 24 people were trained in agriculture and livestock techniques including food production, livestock handling, climate-smart techniques and post-harvest storage methods.
  • 163 people were trained in business and entrepreneurial skills, including financial literacy and income-generating activities outside of livestock-rearing and agriculture.
  • 17 communities updated their disaster preparedness plans to provide guidance during emergency situations.
  • 22 people received support with agricultural resources, including large and small livestock and seeds.
Results of World Vision Canada's projects between October 2020 and September 2021,
in partnership with the World Food Programme, Global Affairs Canada and other institutional donors
 
  • 2,256 people had access to sanitation facilities at home or school.
  • 4,382 people had access to handwashing facilities at home or school.
  • 1,913 people had access to safe drinking water.
  • 451 people were trained or involved in community water, sanitation or hygiene initiatives.
  • 7 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) committees were established or reactivated, with training for members.
  • 2,095 sanitation facilities, including latrines and garbage disposals, were constructed or updated in schools, homes and health centres.
  • 341 water sources were constructed, rehabilitated or improved, providing safe water for children and families to drink.
Results of World Vision Canada's projects between October 2020 and September 2021,
in partnership with the World Food Programme, Global Affairs Canada and other institutional donors
Stories for You
Haiti Earthquake 2021: Emergency relief and rebuilding
Venezuelan refugees: The forgotten crisis
5 green solutions to help the world’s most vulnerable cope with climate change

Discover Another Country

Together, we work to help communities develop the perfect recipe for sustainable success.

Choose one to see how: