Here are basic facts and FAQs about Central America migration, how World Vision addresses root causes of poverty there, and how you can help. One program raising promise among vulnerable youth in Central America is Youth Ready. Through this approach, we help young people discover their potential, develop specific career and life skills, establish support networks, build character and confidence, and plan for their future in their communities. This is work is made possible largely through child sponsorship.
Guatemala
Why World Vision is in Guatemala
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sponsors may experience delays in communication from their sponsored child. We are actively working to keep you updated as the situation changes.
Like the rest of the world, Guatemala was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic impact on families, especially those who depended on informal labor, was severe. Families faced difficulty getting food and clean water, increasing kids’ malnutrition and illness, and students in rural areas often weren’t able to continue their studies. On top of the pandemic’s challenges, Hurricanes Eta and Iota hit Guatemala in the fall, destroying crops, homes, and infrastructure. Women and children in particular became more vulnerable to exploitation in the wake of the hurricanes’ devastation.
Thanks to strong support, many children and families in need got access to the food and hygiene supplies to weather the pandemic. We advocated with the government to promote child protection and spread awareness among families about the risks of exploitation. Youth and entrepreneurs are receiving job training and financial support so they can restart their careers, and children’s faith is being strengthened through groups focused on resilience and emotional health. In the aftermath of the hurricanes, we reached the most affected areas with immediate and ongoing assistance, especially malnutrition treatment for young kids.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Guatemala ❯
Progress in Guatemala
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Parents learned positive parenting skills, including how to discipline children without physical or emotional punishment, helping to protect girls and boys from abuse. And nearly all child protection groups have a joint plan to strengthen child protection.
- Young girls and boys had their height and weight checked, helping to identify malnourished children so they can get the treatment they need. 100% of malnourished children under age 5 made a full recovery after attending our program, helping to prevent child sickness.
- More people now have clean water less than 30 minutes from home and more schools now have safe water sources, helping to free community members, especially women and girls, from time collecting water.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Community volunteer trained in our literacy program helped girls and boys learn to read and write.
- Schools were given new books and teachers participated in trainings, giving children more opportunities to reach their full potential.
Prayer Requests from Guatemala
World Vision's staff in Guatemala are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For children who have lost the opportunity to study and for those who suffer from domestic violence or are victims of trafficking.
That the effects of this rainy season aren’t as severe as last year, and that families are prepared to face the storms that come.
News from Guatemala
From the Field
10 of the worst disasters in 2021
In 2021, World Vision responded to 72 disasters in 52 countries, helping more than 30.1 million people in crisis — in addition to our ongoing global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about some of the worst disasters of 2021.
Prayers
Peace on earth: Pray for people in conflict hot spots
Our world is full of hurting families and nations torn apart. More than 930 million people live in countries with conflict, violence, or fragile internal systems. Pray with us for people living in fragile contexts and conflict zones.
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