Guatemala

Working With Children in Guatemala

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:
  • 17 neighbourhoods are learning how to advocate for child rights and protection
  • 66 teenagers in our programme took part in community projects
  • 2,654 children shared their thoughts and ideas as part of an annual progress review
  • 297 parents participated in learning opportunities 
  • 4,880 girls and boys took part in faith-based activities

Results of World Vision Canada's projects in Guatemala funded by child sponsorship, from October 2019 to September 2020
  • 13,746 frontline workers were trained in child protection issues as part of our COVID-19 response
  • 6,065 hygiene kits including soap, jerry cans, and handwashing supplies were given to community members
  • 418 health facilities were given training or supplies as part of our COVID-19 response
  • 31,907 information materials about COVID-19 were shared in public places, in print, and online
  • 90,500 community members were given food assistance as part of our COVID-19 response

Results of World Vision Canada’s covid-19 response in Guatemala, in partnership with other World Vision offices, from March to September 2020
  • 5 malnourished kids under age 5 made a full recovery after attending our programme
  • 25 mothers with newborns reported having four or more checkups during their pregnancy
  • 10 children under two who were treated for illness at a medical centre received follow-up visits from local health workers and volunteers
  • 100 girls and boys had their height and weight checked

Results of World Vision Canada's projects in Guatemala funded by child sponsorship, from October 2019 to September 2020
  • 1,661 children aged 7-13 are participating in school reading programs 
  • 10 schools were given new books or teacher training
  • 232 children aged 3-6 years are currently attending early child development centers
  • 33 community members volunteer in our literacy programme
  • 2,982 books are available for every school-aged child

Results of World Vision Canada's projects in Guatemala funded by child sponsorship, from October 2019 to September 2020
  • 30 families have access to diverse foods
  • 30 families have small businesses established with World Vision’s support
  • 75 farmers who went to our training used the new farming methods they learned
  • 98 families are participating in self-help groups
  • 11,981 people received food assistance vouchers

Results of World Vision Canada's projects in Guatemala funded by child sponsorship, from October 2019 to September 2020
  • 3 schools now have a new, safe water source
  • 296 families built new toilets
  • 2,812 students have a place to wash their hands with soap at school
  • 2,609 specific girls' and boys' toilets are now in schools
  • 1,056 more people now have clean water within 30 minutes of their home

Results of World Vision Canada's projects in Guatemala funded by child sponsorship, from October 2019 to September 2020
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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.