The Challenges
Guatemalan Communities Face a Number of Challenges
Unsafe Water and Sanitation
Diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year around the world than all forms of violence, including war. (World Health Organization)
Disease and Sickness
Every year in Jalapa, there are more than 8,000 cases of water and food borne illnesses among children under 5 years old. (MSPAS-Guatemala Ministry of Health)
Keeping Children Safe
Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren’t strong enough to fight diarrhea and other water-borne illnesses.
Locating Viable Water Sources
Many women and children walk hours every day to the nearest source of water, which is usually unprotected and likely contaminated.
School Absences
Time spent walking and resulting diseases keep them from school, work and taking care of their families.
Literacy
8 out of 10 children under 12 years old attend primary school, and only 60% of those who attend school will finish grade 6. (MINEDUC – Ministry of Education)
Literacy in Women and Girls
Guatemala’s female literacy rate is one of the lowest in all of the Americas at 75% in women over 15 years of age. (UNESCO)
Lack of Schools
Many schools lack sufficient classrooms and proper protection from inclement weather. If its raining children simply don’t come to school.
