Guatemala
Food for the Hungry started working in Guatemala in 1976, joining the fight to end poverty for families who suffered from the civil war and political oppression, and the hardships that lead to malnutrition.
Currently, FH Canada is walking with 12 communities in the Quiche region—eight within San Juan Cotzal and four within Nebaj. To provide time for leaders to meet their community goals and overcome unforeseen catastrophes like hurricanes Eta and Iota and the COVID-19 global pandemic, FH has committed to partnership for a few extra years as they courageously tackle challenges and fight back poverty. Communities in Guatemala are on their way to self-sustainability!
Community Snapshot
Together with FH’s help, community leaders have identified key goals to help bring them out of poverty and build a sustainable future. By focusing on the areas of livelihoods, health, leadership, and education, FH partner communities are tackling critical issues including food security, mental health, gender equity, and violence within families. Communities in Guatemala are on their way to self-sustainability!
Community Goals
Livelihoods
Improve the economic capacity of vulnerable families through efficient management of assets, skills and income-generating activities to ensure nutritional food security
Improve the economic capacity of vulnerable families through efficient management of assets, skills and income-generating activities to ensure nutritional food security
Health
Improve physical and mental health of families
Improve physical and mental health of families
Leadership Development
Strengthen community resilience and promote healthy environments for the prevention of violence
Strengthen community resilience and promote healthy environments for the prevention of violence
Education
Improve the academic performance of children and adolescents through the development of soft and hard skills
Improve the academic performance of children and adolescents through the development of soft and hard skills
Progress Updates
Recently in Guatemala
Why Mental Health Matters
When Deborah was just 12 years old, she was kidnapped and held captive with a group of young girls for two months. By the time she escaped and returned home, the damage was done. Her harrowing ordeal haunted her into her teens and adulthood. Fearing social stigma, she told no one the truth about what had happened, except for her mother and sister. She had been a victim of human trafficking, but she didn’t feel like a survivor. She felt restless, fearful, and depressed. She isolated herself from friends and community. She couldn’t work—she could barely brush her own hair.