Guatemala

Population:13.8 millionLiteracy Rate:69.1%Religion: Roman Catholic (60%)

The Salesians are working hard to break the tight grip of poverty in Guatemala, where the percentage of children living in poverty has not improved over the past 20 years. One in five families makes less than $1 a day and rural communities are desperate for new programs and resources that will benefit their impoverished citizens.

Featured Mission

Empower girls through education

More than 21% of Guatemalans had an income of less than $1 a day in 2004 – no improvement since 1989 according to the Pan American Health Organization. Extreme poverty is often associated with rural life.

Rural Q’echi (Mayans) are among the rural populations looking to improve their lives. Through Salesian Missions programs, they are focusing on increasing the capacity of their communities. With the assistance of the Q’echi promoters, community groups are educated in self management for projects benefiting family and community. Salesians also work through the Foundation for Advancement of Indigenous Women in Guatemala (Talita Kumi) to raise the status of women and empower them to become house hold and community decision-makers.

More Missions in Guatemala

Teach Job Skills to Youth

Youth are eager to learn job skills and open their own businesses to make a better life for themselves in Ghana. Since its first professional training center opened in 1992, Salesian Missions has expanded to meet the growing needs of youth. First, the center expanded to a wide range of skills – from carpentry to metal work to graphic arts. Then, youth from remote areas sought training. With training, youth decided to be entrepreneurs – and a credit program was developed to help finance “alumni” in beginning their own businesses.

Through these programs, youth contribute to their communities – now and for generations to come.