ChildFund Guatemala

With your support, ChildFund has helped children in Guatemala thrive since 1964.

Guatemala is the most populous Central American nation and the heart of the Mayan world. A country of great beauty and diversity, it is home to 25 languages and at least that many distinct cultures. The nation struggles in several areas of health and development, including infant, child and maternal mortality, nutrition and literacy. The large indigenous population of Guatemala is disproportionately affected.

ChildFund Guatemala supports children's health and well-being throughout all stages of their growth. The Creciendo Contigo ("Growing With You") model for children under 6 helps parents and caregivers develop positive health practices for infants from conception to age 5. For older children, our Me Quiero Me Cuido ("Loving and Caring for Myself") program focuses on supporting children, adolescents, youth and caregivers to make informed and responsible decisions about children's health.

From responsive parenting education for caregivers to health education for adolescents and youth, every aspect of ChildFund Guatemala's work involves education in some way. For example, our CONFIO PICMCA project, a regional initiative operated in collaboration with the ChildFund Alliance and the Government of Canada, uses education to address the root causes of irregular migration in five countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. The project specifically focuses on addressing high levels of crime and violence, limited employment and education for at-risk youth, and lack of awareness of the dangers of irregular migration among children, youth and their families.

ChildFund Guatemala's Pacto ("Covenant") program model promotes leadership, civic engagement and economic independence for youth aged 15 to 24. Its goal is to build young people's confidence through workforce and life skills so they can positively influence social and economic life in their communities. When youth are supported as key partners in their own personal development, they can contribute meaningfully to the workforce through entrepreneurship and employment.

Our Ninez Segura y Protegida ("Safe and Protected Childhood") program focuses on preventing and reducing multiple forms of violence against children and adolescents in the home, school and broader community. It strengthens skills like creating safe, child-friendly environments, peacebuilding and positive parenting. The ultimate goal: to help children and adolescents thrive in protective environments, supporting them to become agents of change who promote violence-free relationships.