Welcome to the Quiché region, heartland of Mayan culture in the Western highlands of Guatemala. Perhaps - like me - before you opened your last email from us you'd never heard of this beautiful place. But the people we work with here, and the children and families we support can't wait to show you around.
Take a look for yourself...
One of the really special things that comes across when learning about this place and the people so proud to call Quiché home is how connected they are to nature.
In fact it seems that a connection with the natural world is simply part of daily life in rural Guatemala. Not just something the adults here feel, but all the children too.
It's not hard to see why.
The word ‘Quiché', means ‘many trees’. And it's true that the landscape is lush and green, framed by rolling hills and mountains. But as well as appreciating the beauty of the place they call home, families here rely on cultivating the land - growing food to eat and sell.
Trouble in paradise
As you'll have seen from the video, Guatemala’s mountainous Quiché region is truly spectacular. However it’s also a poor area and life for children here can be tough.
Due to climate change, the weather is getting more extreme, making it difficult for farmers to grow food. Droughts are becoming more frequent and more severe, and families face a daily struggle to put food on the table. In fact, Guatemala is now in the top 10 most climate affected countries in the world.
When two huge storms struck the region in 2020, many families lost their crops. This not only impacts the families incomes, but also means children here are more at risk of malnutrition and the associated risks of not getting enough to eat.
Working together
Quiché is a living example of how we work hand in hand with local communities to address the biggest challenges facing children. We've built up an dedicated network of parents, teachers, farmers and community leaders (and kids!) to make good progress.
There is still a way to go. But change is possible. We know, because we’re seeing it happen. We’re helping Quiché’s children get the chance to grow and flourish.
And we can’t wait to show you more about all the innovative ways we’re doing it together.
