Guatemala_Sungjae Yoo 2025

COVID-19 pandemic, for children and youth aged 5 to 15 who had come down from indigenous villages to the city of Chimaltenango in search of survival. Many of these urban poor children, who could not even afford one proper meal a day, tried to make a living by selling handmade crafts, masks, peanuts, candies, and gum on the streets. Some, driven by hunger and despair, ended up joining local gangs.

As the number of children increased to over 200, the community began receiving support from  Global Children Foundation in 2023. With the children who came to the “Bap For” (free meal program), the Hope School was started to help those who could not attend regular school due to poverty catch up on their studies and eventually return to school.

Children who once knew only hunger, labor, and hardship have now begun to dream again — nourished, encouraged, and motivated to learn. In Chimaltenango, the school year ends in November, and while some youth leave to find temporary work during the three-month vacation, the center plans to continue serving children who have no proper meals by operating special programs and installing kitchen facilities to cook for them.

We sincerely thank everyone at  Global Children Foundation for their love and support, which allows these children to have a safe place to rest, eat, learn, and nurture their dreams!

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