San Rafael Petzal Project, Guatemala

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, school facilities were in need of repair. Diarrhoea and malnutrition were common amongst children and traditional farming practices limited the amount and variety of foods that farmers could grow.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the San Rafael Petzal community have improved access to education, healthcare and nutritious food.

Together we've achieved so much

A reading comprehension program has been implemented in 11 schools

In 2016, this program benefited 1,024 children.

  • Improvements have been made to school facilities including the renovation of three school kitchens and covered play areas and the construction of boys and girls toilets in two schools.
  • Three early learning centres have been set up and 23 “guide mothers” trained how to run activities at the early learning centres.
  • A “school for parents” was set up to teach parents about positive discipline and how they can support their children’s education.

40 midwives were trained and certified

They were also provided with basic kits to assist with childbirth and provide antenatal and postnatal care.

  • The project collaborated with the Ministry of Public Health to develop a local health network comprising health monitors, health promoters and midwives to provide families with health education and services.
  • Six dental care campaigns were carried out to improve the oral health of over 1,000 children.
  • 225 malnourished children under five reached normal weight for age through an innovative nutritional recovery program where mothers learned how to prepare healthier meals for their children.

150 families received training and materials to establish food gardens

This included distribution of 2,000 peach, citrus and avocado trees and egg-laying chickens to improve child nutrition.

  • 10 greenhouses have been built to enable 50 families to start producing tomatoes for sale. A further 13 families were supported with training and equipment to produce honey.
  • The project supported families with training and information so they can work together to earn greater profits from selling their farm produce.
  • Four producer groups have been formed and trained how to make natural cosmetic products including shampoo and soap to sell in the local community.

"We are very grateful to our sponsors because their support has contributed to the development of my community. "

- Anderson, aged 14