Living Through the Pandemic in Guatemala

Three weeks ago, Guatemala’s president gave the order for the country to begin the process of reopening some businesses and public transport. Although in some respects this is a hopeful start, it has also had some negative effects: the number of COVID-19 positive cases is currently increasing by more than 1,000 each day. Most families rely on public transport, and although they observe established safety protocols, we anticipate a significant increase in cases soon. The health system collapsed just two months into lockdown and the economy also puts families at a great disadvantage: loss of employment means families have difficulty accessing food, public services and medicine needed to be in good health to confront the virus. (The Guatemalan government has produced a lot of publicity about providing food, benefits and medical supplies but in reality, after nearly 5 months, the aid still hasn’t reached families.)

But there is good news, too: teachers and staff at the Acorn Childcare Center continue to contact children and families daily through virtual classes and videos. They have delivered educational resources so that these little learners can continue their brain-building activities. Although this has been a completely new situation for everyone, virtual classes have been very effective with parents fully engaging in their children’s educational activities at home.

While many parents are still unable to work we have been able to continue to provide basic healthy food supplies every other week. Even though they are not able to eat at the Center, with your generosity we are making sure that the children are continuing to be properly nourished to stay healthy and strong.

So far, none of the children or families from the Acorn Childcare Center have been infected with COVID-19. Yet we all have friends and family who have been infected and some of our loved ones have lost their lives.

While we supplied families with masks at the beginning of lockdown, most families still lack basic medical and hygiene supplies. With guidance from local doctors and health specialists, we are creating health kits for each family. Just $25 US dollars helps provide a medical kit for a family of 4. These will contain vitamins, basic pain relief, and hygiene products to help prevent the spread of disease.

With your help, we are continuing to support the health and education of families most in need within our community, which is even more vital during the struggle against this pandemic. Thank you for your continued support!

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS

Every donation helps ensure that we can continue transforming the lives of families facing extreme poverty.

Maya Childcare Inc is run entirely by volunteers, thus 100% of your donation goes directly to the Acorn Childcare Center.

The fact that the Acorn Childcare Centre is able to offer such crucial, life-changing support to children and families living in extreme poverty, is thanks to the work and the generosity of many people, doing and giving what they can to help. Every contribution matters, and together all these efforts make a huge difference.