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 because of child sponsorship.
Guatemala
Why World Vision is in Guatemala
Guatemala faces extensive corruption among leaders and politicians. Injustice issues are becoming increasingly prominent, even making global news, and the problems are far-reaching. Instability and uncertainty have a big impact on politics and the economy. Gangs and extortion groups control many regions of Guatemala. Though recent attention on tragedies and human rights violations has provoked changes, injustice and abuse interrupt the lives of many children and youth. Child malnutrition is prevalent as well—eight in 10 kids who die from malnutrition are less than 2 years old. Thanks to your support, we’re providing life-saving treatment for children under 5 who suffer from preventable illness. We’re establishing dozens of offices for child protection, and they’re already handling hundreds of abuse cases against vulnerable children. We’re also ensuring full vaccinations for children and increasing literacy rates. In one impoverished community, kids are experiencing healing and hope through music and art programs. Together, we’re helping the most vulnerable children transform oppression into opportunities.
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.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- World Vision is helping to make communities safe for children, protecting them from child abuse. Parents participated in trainings where they learned about positive discipline and how to improve relationships with their children.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- In Guatemala, parents learned how to keep their children strong and healthy through education sessions on vaccinations, good hygiene, and how to prepare more nutritious meals through family gardens.
- To protect children from respiratory diseases, families used more fuel efficient stoves that produce less smoke, reducing the chance of contracting illnesses like pneumonia.
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.
- In Guatemala, more young children are prepared for primary school after attending pre-schools that provide age-appropriate stimulation and education.
- Children's reading comprehension and literacy skills are improving through new teaching methods, dedicated reading spaces in schools, and community reading festivals.
Prayer Requests from Guatemala
World Vision's staff in Guatemala are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Our youth to find development opportunities through our programs and are pulled out of violence and poverty.
Hearts of decision makers are sensitized so that children's well-being is prioritized.
News from Guatemala
From the Field
2018 Guatemala volcano eruption: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
A catastrophic eruption of Guatemala’s Fuego volcano on June 3 affected more than 1.7 million people. World Vision is helping children and families in affected areas.
From the Field
Zika virus: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
The mosquito-borne Zika virus can cause microcephaly and other serious birth defects. Though the disease has faded from the news since its most recent outbreak in 2015, Zika remains a risk in dozens of countries and territories in the Americas. Learn facts about Zika, the latest outbreak, and future threats.
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