Around the world, there’s one issue that comes up in almost all big conversations with children: the climate crisis.
Regardless of any other serious challenges they’re experiencing, children in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America – everywhere – tell our colleagues how angry, frustrated and scared climate change makes them. The young people in Guatemala are no different.
Just like older generations, the children here feel very connected to their natural environment. But that environment is changing fast. Guatemala is now in the top 10 climate affected countries in the world.
Anabely, aged 11, told me “The storm made me very sad because many people died, many others lost their homes.” But Anabely hasn't let what happened change her love and respect for the world around her.
Listening to her beautiful poem in the face of what she witnessed is even more inspiring.
How are we helping?
Many people here depend on natural resources and farming for their livelihoods. So when two hurricanes hit almost back to back in 2020 - it devastated the community.
Our local team in Guatemala were there in the immediate aftermath to provide emergency support. Thanks to supporters like you, we also provided people with cash transfers. Many families - like Horado's* used this money to re-build their homes or buy food and essential items.
People in Horado’s* village were also determined to re-build their community. With funds from Save the Children they came together and re-built the water pipes, which were destroyed in the storm. Now, 95% of the community have clean running water.
Due to the trauma children experienced, Save the Children set up Child Friendly Spaces in the worst affected villages. These are places where children can remember how to laugh, play and be themselves. Horado* goes to his Child Friendly Space, at a specially built centre, for weekly wellbeing sessions with Save the Children staff.
Could you support other families to feel safe again? Donate to support more children like Horado.
Long term solutions
We provided local farmers with special weather-resistant seeds to get crops quickly growing again. These incredible seeds work because of the long, dense roots they produce. These are perfect for seeking out water when its dry, or holding firm in the face of heavy rainfall and wind. I know from colleagues around the world that the same types of seeds are being used to help communities in many parts of Africa and Asia too.
We also worked alongside Quiché's farmers to train them on climate resistant farming techniques, and connected them up to local schools. Check out Beatriz' next email to find out more about what happened next!
