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 Volcanic eruption in Guatemala


On June 3, the Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted, leaving the capital city covered in ash. Several deaths have been reported and many people are still missing, making this the biggest volcanic impact in Guatemala in decades.

Schools, houses and roads have been damaged and access to essential services is limited. Search and rescue teams are still working hard to locate and treat the people who have been injured.  An alert was declared by the government in the areas most affected.

Two Canadian-supported communities– San Pedro and Asodisa –have been impacted. Thankfully, Guatemalan staff have confirmed that all the sponsored children in these communities have been accounted for and are safe.

World Vision’s response has been to assess damages and needs, coordinate with the government and deliver humanitarian aid such as water, hygiene kits, clothing, medicine and counselling where needed. Child-safe spaces are also being provided to keep children and adolescents protected.

World Vision will continue to monitor the situation and post any new updates on this page. For more information, or to check on the status of your sponsored child, please call us at 1-800-654-2650.

To help us quickly respond to emergency situations like the one in Guatemala, please consider donating to our Emergency Response and Preparedness fund: https://donate.worldvision.ca/products/donate-to-emergency-disaster-relief
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. 

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:
Volcanic eruption in Guatemala

On June 3rd, the Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted, leaving the capital city covered in ash. As of the most recent update, there are 329 missing, 113 dead and over 3,000 living in shelters.

The Guatemalan government has constructed temporary homes in camps where families can seek respite. As of July, school resumed for students with classes being held in tents.

San Pedro—a Canadian-supported community—was not directly impacted by volcanic flow but families here have endured residual ash damage, affecting their homes and livelihoods. Many are now suffering lung and skin conditions because of the toxic air. World Vision has been working to give 3,400 children medical check-ups.

We have also been on the ground, delivering donations of food, clothing, hygiene kits and medical aid to shelters in the weeks since the initial response.
 
Child-friendly spaces are making an impact, with 368 adolescents and 35 parents receiving counselling and mental health care.
 
World Vision will continue to prioritize protection, food, shelter and health care moving forward, and post any new updates on this page. For more information, or to check on the status of your sponsored child, please call us at 1-800-654-2650.

Join us in praying for the most vulnerable in Guatemala during this time of difficulty. To help us quickly respond to emergency situations like this one, please consider donating to our Emergency Response and Preparedness fund: https://donate.worldvision.ca/products/donate-to-emergency-disaster-relief
 
 
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease and have access to essential health services.

 
  • We worked with local clinics and the Ministry of Health to provide vaccines and vitamins to vulnerable children in danger of disease and malnutrition.
  • 77 malnourished children were enrolled in nutritional programs and monitored to ensure they are growing healthy
  • 348 women were counselled on how to properly care for themselves and their babies during and after pregnancy
  • 275 children and adults learned about the importance of water safety, proper sanitation and hygiene to stay healthy
  • 63 health workers and volunteers were trained to provide quality health services, especially for women and children
  • 664 parents and caregivers learned about proper feeding practices and how to keep their children well nourished
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
Children learn and develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future and families support children's education.

 
  • Through new preschool programs, young children learned skills needed to be successful in primary school, such as counting, knowing the alphabet and working with others
  • 1,116 children and youth are improving their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities like clubs and camps
  • 196 teachers and volunteers learned child-friendly teaching methods to improve the quality of education for children
  • 423 children and youth were trained in essential life skills such as critical thinking, self-esteem and communication
  • 12 schools were renovated or furnished with educational materials to provide a better learning environment for students
  • 1,983 preschool children are developing vital language and motor skills, setting a solid foundation for their education
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.

 
  • 22 young people received vocational, business and finance training, improving their opportunities to earn a steady income
  • 27 individuals are members of savings groups, helping families meet their financial needs and access small loans
  • 112 farmers received livestock, seeds or tools to improve productivity and better provide for their children and families
  • 28 adults received vocational, business and finance training, improving their opportunities to earn a steady income
  • 3 savings groups are helping children and adults save money and access loans to grow businesses or cover basic expenses
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.

 
  • 28 child parliaments are empowering young people to advocate for their rights and participate in community decisions
  • 2,628 individuals including children are better equipped to protect themselves from disasters and respond to emergencies
  • 1,523 children and youth learned about child rights and protection issues to help ensure children's safety and participation
  • 4 community groups are teaching children and families to prevent disasters and protect themselves in times of crisis
  • 20 people learned how to work with local authorities and influence decisions to improve services and child well-being
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
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