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Guineales Area Program

Sponsor a child

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2017 - 2030

Location

Guatemala

Areas of Focus

WASH | Health

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

2,999community members, including children, were trained in disaster risk reduction strategies

Progress

2,548children attended in-school or after-school literacy activities

Progress

1,984people know key child protection risks and how to properly respond or find support

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

Guineales is in the municipality of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan, Department of Sololá. According to the Guatemalan Statistics National Institute, the population in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan in 2024 was 64,451 people. Over more than 15 years, the members of this community have worked to tackle their challenges and create an environment where their children can be healthy, cared for and equipped with skills to succeed.  

...
Challenges
Child Protection
Children from the most vulnerable families in Guineales are often at risk of having their rights violated. In many cases, their own parents have suffered poverty, illiteracy and child abuse and continue to recycle negative patterns as they deal with unemployment, limited job opportunities and self-harming behaviors such as alcoholism. Parents need support, resources and education to form positive relationships and habits.

Some children dealing with domestic issues leave home in search of a job and independence. Not only does this curtail their education, it exposes them to employers who may exploit their age and inexperience. In general, children's rights are not respected and they lack safe spaces to develop leadership skills and play in peace.

Health
In Guineales, the first roadblock to achieving good health is a lack of education. Information on family planning, child spacing and general sexual health is scarcely shared within the community. Education on proper nutrition, prenatal care and hygienic food preparation are also lacking. As a result, many parents are ill-equipped to plan for and nurture a growing, healthy family.

Roughly 55 per cent of children under five are chronically malnourished at least 14 per cent regularly suffer diarrhea due to unsanitary practices in the community. Of the 10 villages that make up Guineales, only three have health posts. Even existing health facilities lack the medicine and resources needed to prevent, mitigate and treat disease.

Livelihoods
Employment in Guineales is low and there are few economic opportunities available. The community is rich in natural resources, but their mismanagement limits families income. At least 62 per cent of the population uses 89 square feet worth of firewood every year. The resulting deforestation not only disrupts the natural flow of water, but also threatens valuable native species. Climate change combined with natural disasters such as flooding have also contributed to the poor production of fruit and coffee"farmer's primary means of income.

Farmers lack information on modern production techniques, livestock breeding and disaster mitigation to better ensure their success. Youth also lack information, with limited opportunities to develop job and leadership skills. Low income also contributes to malnourishment, poor hygiene and negative domestic practices....
Plans
Child Protection
To ensure children in Guineales are protected, nurtured and empowered for the future, World Vision will work to:
  • Provide children and youth opportunities to learn about their rights and receive job and leadership training
  • Equip community leaders and volunteers to promote the protection, rights and the well-being of children
  • Strengthen and create community protection systems and promote them to children and youth
  • Advocate the government to improve child protection systems and rights at the community level

Health
To help children and their families experience better health and well-being, we will partner with the community to:
  • Educate mothers on good health and nutrition education and promote hygienic food preparation habits
  • Reduce the occurrence of avoidable diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections in children under five
  • Ensure children receive age-appropriate vaccinations to protect them from avoidable illness
  • Improve the quality and availability of adequate health services, particularly for children under five

Livelihoods
To ensure the preservation of natural resources and improve economic opportunities, World Vision will work to:
  • Support communities with the development of disaster prevention plans and preparedness training
  • Strengthen the capacity of 1,000+ families to improve their living conditions and resilience
  • Provide skills training and development opportunities to children and youth to improve their life skills
  • Improve and maintain enrolment and literacy rates to ensure children's future career opportunities
...
An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2023 and September 2024, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.