Guatemala_Sungjae Yoo 2024

Thanks to the support of the Global Children Foundation, we have been able to provide meals and food supplies to child street vendors in the Chimaltenango region of Guatemala as well as extend warmth and generosity to children in impoverished neighborhoods.

Despite Guatemala’s typical six-month rain season, there was relatively little rain this year. Although this posed challenges for farming, it created safer conditions for those working outdoors without shelter and for children traveling to and from school or selling items in the streets.

The weekly meal distributions held in front of Chimaltenango City Hall every Saturday have been a steadfast tradition for four years. Recently, children who had been absent for months have started returning, their hymn singing filling the square with a profound sense of emotion and hope.  During the week, snacks and drinks are provided to children selling goods on the streets, offering them moments of relief and care. In addition, bread distributions continue in unregistered settlements in mountain towns, where we engage with the children through play and prayer.

Currently, 230 children in Guatemala are being supported through sponsorship. In addition to providing monthly food supplies, we distribute school supplies, lunch bags, toiletries, and sneakers. On Mother’s Day, we hosted a luncheon and gave gifts to mothers, sharing love.  About 90% of the sponsored children live with single mothers or grandmothers. The mothers mainly work as cleaners, domestic helpers, or vendors selling food or fruit in the market to make a living. Many face health challenges such as diabetes and arthritis due to harsh labor and malnutrition. However, people have gradually begun to recognize the importance of education and have begun actively participating in gatherings and worship services for these sponsored children.