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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:

Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.
 

  • 104 people learned about child rights and protection issues to help ensure children's safety and participation
  • 9 child well being activities conducted including health and nutrition, hygiene, livlihood, education, child rights and protection awareness
  • 10 adults participating in community decisions and advocating for the protection and wellbeing of children
  • 12 community groups are engaging with local authorities to advance children's rights and create positive changes for children
  • 3 plans of action were developed to enhance community development and child well being
  • 10 community groups are teaching children and families to manage disasters and respond to emergencies in order to protect themselves in times of crisis
  • 60 children were protected and cared for at child friendly spaces
  • 5,040 pairs of boots were shipped, protecting children’s health and allowing many to go to school
Results achieved from October 2018 to September 2019

Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease and have access to essential health services.
 

  • 78 malnourished children were enrolled in nutritional programs and monitored to ensure they are growing healthy
  • 89 people received information about how to properly care for children
Results achieved from October 2018 to September 2019

Children learn and develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future and families support children's education.
 

  • 303 children are developing vital language and motor skills, setting a solid foundation for their education
  • 4,586 children are participating in reading clubs to improve their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities
  • 60 parents learned about the importance of education and how to support their child’s learning
  • 760 parents and caregivers learned about the importance of raising their children with love and tenderness
  • 42 teachers learned child-friendly teaching methods to improve the quality of education for children
  • 10 materials were provided for classrooms to help children learn
Results achieved from October 2018 to September 2019

Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.
 

  • 30 people received vocational, business and finance training, improving their opportunities to earn a steady income
  • 140 farmers learned techniques to improve crop and livestock production to better provide for their children and families
  • 9 farmers received livestock, seeds or tools to improve productivity and help meet their family needs
  • 159 savings groups are helping young people and adults save money and access loans to grow businesses or cover basic expenses
  • 20 gardens are in place to help families, community groups or schools provide nutritious food for children
  • 80 animals were given to families in need, providing them new means to feed their children and earn income
 
Results achieved from October 2018 to September 2019

Children and families have access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and training in hygiene practices to stay healthy.
 

  • 1,214 people have safe water for drinking and cooking thanks to improved water sources
  • 54 people are benefitting from improved latrines and have better access to sanitation
  • 942 new or improved latrines are granting families better access to sanitation and helping to protect children from illness
  • 365 people learned about the importance of water safety, proper sanitation and hygiene to stay healthy
  • 13 committees are promoting sanitary behaviours and managing water supply systems to ensure long term access to clean water
Results achieved from October 2018 to September 2019
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