Although Guatemala has experienced continued economic stability, this has not yet translated to robust poverty reduction. The country’s poverty and inequality rates are among the highest in the Latin America and Caribbean region. In addition, Guatemala has a large and underserved population that is primarily rural, Indigenous and unemployed. 

In 2023, the World Bank estimated that in Guatemala’s population of about 17 million people, 55.2% could be considered poor. Many efforts and programs to improve the living conditions of the country’s poor have arisen from its abhorrent circumstances. Poverty in Guatemala is estimated to increase by three or four times without the intervention of charities and organizations. These are 5 charities operating in Guatemala that work tirelessly to fill this need. 

Charities Operating in Guatemala

1. Many Hopes: Many Hopes is a global community of volunteers and fundraisers committed to rescuing and raising children away from the influence of injustice. Thomas Keown established the organization in Boston and started it as a rescue home for girls in Kenya. The charity has grown significantly and has partnered with local leaders in six countries in Africa and Latin America, one of which is Guatemala. Its mission is to equip children to become adults who break cycles of injustice and poverty. The organization runs an onsite elementary school that educates 160 students; it also provides vocational training opportunities and college scholarships. They also provide medical care, food and holistic mental and emotional support to children under its care. 
2. Creamos: This innovative organization is centered around women’s empowerment and has been active since 2008. Creamos focuses specifically on supporting the thousands of women who live in communities surrounding the Guatemala City Landfill (RSCG). According to the organization’s website, women living on the periphery of the RSCG experience the effects of poverty at a more extreme level. Many compete for scarce resources, have a low education level and experience historical employment discrimination because of where they live. The organization’s goal is to empower the community in three main ways. Firstly, it provides these women with a safe work environment where they can make a livable wage by sewing or making jewelry sold on the website. Creamos also provides the community with psychological support and offers adult education programs. This gives women the flexibility to complete their studies so they can spend more time with their work and families. Creamos has created 151 jobs and has more than 600 active participants supported by the organization’s programs. 
3. SOS Children’s Villages: Since 1976, SOS Children’s Villages has supported youth without parental care or who are at risk of losing it in Guatemala. Its goal is to assist children impacted by poverty and violence and to support them on their way to independence. The organization currently provides housing for 260 children and young people. In addition, it provides thousands of children and families with nutritious food. Further, SOS Children’s Villages gives many Guatemalan children a space to learn in kindergarten and offers opportunities for further education. 
4. Water For People: Since 1997, Water For People has helped Guatemalan communities access water, sanitation and hygiene. However, due to the high poverty level in El Quiché, it has mainly focused its efforts there since 2007. The organization works with the district government to build piped water supply systems and to train communities to maintain the systems. It also encourages a system that provides families with the products and services they need to build better bathrooms, as well as loans to finance the improvements. In addition, Water For People treats schools in Guatemala as part of the wider community. So, not only are children taught good hygiene practices in school, but the lessons are combined with education. This reinforces the practices at home and promotes sanitation in the community.
5. Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (ODIM): ODIM is a charity that started providing humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Stan, in 2005. The organization works on the belief that “compassionate, competent and comprehensive medical care and education” are needed in even the poorest of places. ODIM provides access to affordable primary and preventative healthcare for impoverished communities and Indigenous people. There are two clinics from which the organization runs, and combined, they provide a total of 3,000 treatments each year. ODIM also promotes education and integrative and preventative care that the communities would not have access to otherwise. 

A Vision for the Future

With 66% of the population living on less than $2 per day, poverty is a constant reality for most Guatemalan citizens. These 5 charities operating in Guatemala have sparked meaningful change. From empowering women in impoverished communities to breaking cycles of injustice and poverty, these organizations provide critical and indispensable support by addressing various issues that many Guatemalans face daily.

– Danielle Schaafsma
Photo: Unsplash