Strong, healthy children ensure a positive future

Empowering youth is critical to the future of Guatemala. We help children grow into capable, successful adults by giving them the tools to build self-confidence and develop communication skills. Many of Guatemala’s young people also are involved in activities within their community associations and have formed a National Youth Organization to have their voices heard on a regional and national scale.

But first the children and youth of this country must be protected and educated. By raising awareness about child protection issues among families and community leaders, we strive for all the players to work together to keep children safe.  

Another of our primary goals is for children to stay in school and complete their primary education. This sometimes requires funding of basic school supplies or fees. Our involvement in education also extends to physical infrastructure, teacher capacities, curriculum improvement, school governance, promotion of children’s’ rights, government commitment and community participation.

Our Early Childhood Development program is based on the premise that learning begins at a very early age.  Trained volunteer Guide Mothers go out into the community and teach mothers better childcare practices and skills, so that they are better equipped to motivate learning in their young children.  We have even found that children participating in these programs tend to be more participatory, better nourished and more easily transitioned into primary school.

A child's health is highly dependent on a mother’s care, even before birth. That’s why our neo-natal program educates women of child-bearing age on to how to ensure the birth of a healthy baby and provides support to mothers and newborns during emergency births. These women also are educated about the dangers and prevention of HIV/AIDS. 

Once children are born, our support doesn’t stop. Our health care professionals regularly monitor their growth and development. They also annually check their nutritional levels until they reach age five and provide children in a severe and/or chronic stage of malnutrition temporary feeding supplements.

Our support of Guatemala’s children has resulted in not only a healthier, more educated generation, but also a stronger future for the country. Help us give Guatemala the strength to reach its full potential.