Tag Archive for: Poverty In Guatemala

Posts

, ,

Progress and Possibility Behind HIV/AIDS in Guatemala

HIV/AIDS in GuatemalaGuatemala has made significant progress in its fight against HIV/AIDS. While it may not make headlines every day, Guatemala’s advancements are persistent and deeply human. The country is steadily moving towards the UNAIDS target of 95% of people knowing their virus status, 95% of people on treatment and 95% achieving viral suppression. Tucked between mountain roads and the Caribbean coast and once overwhelmed by stigma, unequal health care infrastructure and limited access to treatment, Guatemalans now have expanded access to treatment, information and community. The trajectory of meeting these 95–95–95 targets is palpable.

At a time, those numbers felt out of reach. Today, however, the change is measurable. Approximately 33,000 Guatemalans are living with HIV, with an adult prevalence rate of just 0.2–0.3%, among the lowest in Latin America. Since 2010, AIDS-related deaths have fallen by nearly 40%, thanks to wider access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and strong community-driven advocacy. About 78% of people with HIV are now receiving treatment, and two-thirds have achieved viral suppression, signaling significant and lasting progress in care accessibility. Yet, this progress also underscores how deeply health outcomes are tied to economic inequality. Poverty continues to limit access to testing and treatment, especially in rural areas where clinics and transportation remain scarce. The progress of HIV/AIDS in Guatemala reflects not only medical advancement but also the broader effort to close the gap between health and opportunity.

Confronting Stigma With Inclusion

Progress rarely comes without resistance, a major barrier for Guatemala’s HIV response being stigma. It lingers in small towns, classrooms and suppressed conversation. In a national survey, 57% of adults said they would not buy food from someone with HIV, and only 22% of youth accurately understood prevention methods. Lurking behind those numbers is a deep cultural fear. Still, the response has been just as powerful. 

Local organizations and youth-led campaigns now promote inclusive education, normalize testing and support open conversations around sexual health. Across Guatemala, people are bringing HIV education to light, and what once kept people in the shadows out of fear of judgment is slowly being replaced with visibility and open dialogue.

Although ART is free through Guatemala’s public health system, discrimination once kept many people from seeking it out. A study found that only 35% of those living with HIV were engaged in care, and just 16% achieved viral suppression at that time. In response, Guatemala has expanded mobile testing, integrated HIV services into community health centers and strengthened privacy protections for patients. While these changes may sound procedural, local testing means local recovery and accessibility. These reforms are especially important for low-income communities, where poverty and stigma often intersect.

Local Activism Leading the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Guatemala

Change often begins with one voice. Guatemalan advocate Alma de León from the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition–Latin America and the Caribbean has shown how activism can drive national reform. Her coalition helped lower the price of dolutegravir, a key HIV medication, from $240 to $7 per patient, while also simplifying treatment options from more than 200 combinations to fewer than 65. These changes make treatment affordable and sustainable, and allow the fight against the stigma of HIV/AIDS in Guatemala to reach communities and families facing economic hardship who may otherwise lack access to consistent health care.

Multi-month ART refills have also redefined accessibility for rural workers who may have once spent an entire day traveling to refill their prescriptions. This approach, paired with peer-led outreach and telehealth mentoring for rural doctors, is creating practical changes to create a flexible, efficient and human health care system.

A Future Built on Collaboration

This progress is not happening in isolation. Partnerships with international groups like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have strengthened infrastructure through programs like Project ECHO, which links local clinicians to specialists for real-time mentoring. Other initiatives like the multi-month prescriptions and pharmacy fast-track refills are easing that daily burden on patients.  

These strategies altogether create a true ripple effect to better training, fewer barriers and stronger communities. Efforts show that treatment is not a sole indicator of success, but proof of a shared effort over time.

Hope on the Horizon

Guatemala’s HIV response is a story of persistence and partnership. Deaths are falling, access is expanding and education and empathy are replacing stigma. Emerging outcomes are indicators of collaboration, local activism, global outreach and most importantly, communities refusing to be defined by fear. The fight against HIV/AIDS in Guatemala has deep ties to the nation’s fight against poverty. By improving access to care and breaking down economic barriers, Guatemala is showing how public health progress can also strengthen economic resilience.

Continued investment in local leadership, youth empowerment and international cooperation will ensure this fight not only meets but exceeds global goals. Guatemala is proving that ending HIV is not just possible, it’s already happening.

– Ella Bogdan

Ella is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

HIV/AIDS in Guatemala

hiv/Aids in guatemalaHIV/AIDS has been one of the most taboo diseases to date, with many having negative attitudes and beliefs about people who have it. Harmful stereotypes about HIV/AIDS have prevented those who need help from getting the proper treatment they deserve. In Guatemala, this is no different. This article will explain the facts about HIV/AIDS in Guatemala as well as what it’s like to live with the disease.

HIV/AIDS Has Steadily Been Rising Since 1990

HIV/AIDS has affected the lives of more than 30,000 registered citizens in Guatemala since 1990. In 1990, the case toll was 8,000. However, in 2024, an estimated 33,000 citizens contracted HIV/AIDS. Of this 33,000, around 21,000 men and 12,000 women are living with HIV/AIDS. While homosexuality is legal, laws to protect LGBTQ+ citizens are not comprehensive. This has led to discrimination among LGBTQ+ citizens, which further stigmatizes diseases such as HIV/AIDS. According to Lokal Travel, “Despite legal acceptance, the LGBT community often faces discrimination and, in some cases, violence.” Because of this, having a disease such as HIV/AIDS can not only come with discrimination, but

also violence that could be life-threatening.

Highest Rates of HIV/AIDS

Queer men and transgender women are the most at-risk individuals to contract HIV/AIDS. This is because comprehensive sex education isn’t taught, leading to a lack of protection being used during sex. UNAIDS reports that “ the HIV prevalence rate is 22.2% among the transgender population, compared to 0.2% for the general population.” It also reports that even though rates among the general population for HIV/AIDS are beginning to decrease, transgender women are still contracting the disease at the same rate as before. This highlights the lack of protection transgender women face within healthcare in Guatemala.

Stigma Surrounding HIV/AIDS Testing Is High

Getting tested for HIV/AIDS is crucial to preventing the disease from spreading. If caught in the early stages, HIV can be managed through medication, making the person undetectable to others. However, without testing, the disease will continue to cause havoc within the person’s body. UNAIDS reports that around 47%-73% of transgender women avoid being tested due to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Guatemala. This stigma can further result in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, forming within citizens living with HIV/AIDS in Guatemala.

HIV Clinics

According to AIDS Health, AHF has built clinics in Guatemala to help promote citizens being tested for HIV/AIDS. The clinic can offer ARV treatments to those living with HIV/AIDS in Guatemala. This helps those living with HIV/AIDS have access to life-saving treatment without having to pay a fortune. Because of this, over the past years, the clinics have performed more than 600,00 rapid tests across various settings, a monumental achievement that has been able to reduce some of the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and allow citizens to feel comfortable being tested and treated.

HIV/AIDS Can Affect Anyone

Miscommunication about HIV/AIDS has been raging since the 1980s. Many people hold false assumptions that only queer men can contract HIV/AIDS. However, they’re excluding a large chunk of the vulnerable population.

According to The MANGUA Project, “HIV prevalence among other vulnerable groups is 18% in people with tuberculosis (TB), 13% in prison populations, and 3.3% among youth at social risk,” showing how people who are in vulnerable positions are equally at risk for HIV/AIDS. This is important to emphasize so that HIV/AIDS can become destigmatized. It can show that anyone can contract HIV/AIDS if they are in an unsafe situation.

– Alexis Thomas

Alexis is based in Author’s City and State: Raleigh,NC/Wake, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

Maya Pedal: Bikes Transforming Lives in Guatemala

maya pedalIn a small, rural and predominantly Indigenous town in Guatemala, one NGO has found a new way to generate electricity whilst keeping costs low and fitness levels high. Maya Pedal began in 1997 in San Andrés Itzapa, 50 kilometres from Guatemala City, and takes old bikes which have been donated from the US and Canada and either sells them or repurposes them into bicimaquinas (bike machines). Local people and businesses then use these machines as makeshift water pumps, corn degrainers and blenders, among other things.

The name refers to the significant Indigenous population in Guatemala, who are primarily of Mayan descent, whilst ‘pedal’ has the same meaning in English. Mayans made up just under half of the national population, but studies suggest they remain one of the poorest and most oppressed groups in the country.

Local Projects

Not only do the bicimaquinas save local people money, time and effort, they also help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the area by providing work and a sense of purpose.

Women for Development in Action is a local organization that enables women to grow their own aloe plants before using the bicimaquina as a blender and producing shampoo. As Ana María Guch explains, “First, we cut the aloe, then we take off the skin, cut it into little pieces and put it in the blender. Next, we pedal!” The profits they make from selling their shampoo go towards supporting their families and funding their reforestation project.

Another organisation, Women’s Group for AZUCENA, supports women as they produce their own animal feed by using the bicimaquina as a corn degrainer. Aside from their agricultural projects, the organisation also runs Spanish literacy classes for Indigenous women, giving them a better chance of integrating into society and improving their social mobility, Maya Pedal reports on its website.

Mario Juarez, Director of Maya Pedal, also explains the environmental benefits of creating the bicimaquinas: “I believe with what we do we contribute a little to reduce the damage that as human beings we do to the planet.”

International Impact

Maya Pedal has received international acclaim for its innovative bicimaquinas – as Carlos Enrique Marroquin, Head of Maya Pedal, outlines: “We do not have to do any advertising, because the machine speaks for itself – and as such, the NGO receives volunteer engineers, translators and bike mechanics from all over the world.”

It has also made its machine designs free and available to download anywhere in the world, so that anyone can access them and learn to build and use them themselves, creating a brighter, more environmentally friendly future for everyone, starting with the Maya community in San Andrés Itzapa.

– Elsa Tarring

Elsa is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Addressing Child Marriage in Guatemala  

Child Marriage in GuatemalaChild marriage in Guatemala is a serious issue that has devastating repercussions for young girls. Education is no longer seen as a priority, so often girls are forced to leave school early. Without adequate support or oversight, many face mental, physical and sexual abuse. Their underdeveloped bodies, combined with a reliance on homebirths, leave both young mothers and their infants at a heightened risk of maternal and infant mortality. Reducing and ultimately eradicating child marriage is therefore a crucial step in safeguarding girls’ futures.

Thankfully, Guatemala banned child marriage in 2017. This legislation and the continued work of both global and local organizations have already helped protect many vulnerable girls. However, despite the recent ban, Girls not Brides found that, as of 2022, 30% of young girls in Guatemala are still victims of child marriage. There are multiple and complex reasons for the continuation of such a damaging practice.

Key Factors Behind the Persistence of Child Marriage in Guatemala

  1. Rural Areas Make Monitoring Difficult: There are numerous tight-knit communities in Guatemala that are extremely rural and so informally govern themselves. Many communities still support child marriage; to avoid monitoring and legal consequences, they hold unofficial unions. The indigenous Maya community, who often live in rural areas, experience higher rates of child marriage than the rest of the country.
  2. COVID-19: Governments across the world struggled to monitor vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to a worldwide increase of 10 million additional girls susceptible to child marriage.
  3. Poverty: In 2020, 68% of Guatemalan children were living in poverty. Many families use dowries to ease their situation, while at the same time reducing the number of mouths to feed. Some girls, desperate to escape their destitute home lives, choose to marry while still young. They hope marriage will offer a more stable and secure life, unaware of just how vulnerable it can leave them.
  4. Teenage Pregnancies: Due to lack of sex education, pregnancy among adolescent Guatemalans is fairly common. Between January 2020 and December 2020, there were 99,656 recorded teenage pregnancies in Guatemala. Many families hold traditional values, so they believe their daughters should be married immediately if they are pregnant. This often overlooks the circumstances under which the pregnancy occurred, placing young survivors of rape in particularly harmful and unjust situations.

Efforts to Eradicate Child Marriage in Guatemala

Although there are still many issues that need to be addressed when tackling child marriage in Guatemala, the country is heading in the right direction. UN Women, UNFPA and UNICEF are working to reduce the number of young Guatemalan brides. They are implementing a Regional Program in the Latin American and Caribbean region. These organizations are currently focusing on Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. They aim to raise awareness of child marriage and its harmful effects on young people, while also empowering young girls and providing opportunities for them to build a better future for themselves.

There is also the Women’s Justice Initiative (WJI), a Guatemalan-based organization founded in 2011, that is dedicated to combating gender inequality and ending violence against women and girls, especially in rural communities. They run multiple programs to help Guatemalan women and girls. These include:

  • Legal Services: They offer free, legal support to women and girls in a variety of vulnerable positions such as domestic abuse, child marriage and divorce.
  • The Women’s Rights Education Program: It is a three-month program educating women on topics related to women’s issues. This includes property rights and domestic and sexual violence.
  • The Adolescent Girls Program: The Adolescent Girls Program is a six month course to teach girls about their rights, female empowerment and to provide them with leadership skills so that they have more opportunities open to them in the future.
  • The Community Advocates Program: This program provides Maya women with the knowledge and skills to transform their community firsthand. They begin by taking part in a two-year training program, where they deepen their understanding of women’s rights and develop leadership skills. With this knowledge, they go on to support, educate and guide other Guatemalan women and girls.

Looking Ahead

The WJI has had an astounding impact in helping to reduce child marriage in Guatemala. While larger organizations, such as the U.N., can influence the country (and region) as a whole, smaller ones like WJI work face-to-face in remote and often overlooked communities. By addressing child marriage in these hidden, hard-to-track areas, they gradually dismantle the problem at its roots. For many Maya women in rural areas, this organization is the only way for them to seek support.

With varied and determined organizations at the forefront of tackling women’s and girls’ issues in Guatemala, child marriage is slowly but steadily declining. It is the work of individuals that can and will bring an end to child marriage in Guatemala.

Until Guatemala completely eradicates child marriage, the fight continues. WJI makes a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable women and girls.

– Lysia Wright

Lysia is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

3 Facts About Disability and Poverty in Guatemala

Disability and Poverty in GuatemalaDisability and poverty in Guatemala exist as causes and consequences of each other. This is true around the world. In 2024, the World Bank reported that 57.3% of Guatemalans live in poverty and exist on an average of $6.85 per day; in 2023, approximately 80% of employed Guatemalans worked in the “informal sector” due to a lack of stable income opportunities. Guatemala also has one of the lowest labor force participation rates among females, at 33%. While solid economic growth has occurred over the last decade, serious inequalities still exist due to social standards, varying geography and the country’s vulnerability to exterior threats and natural disasters. Moreover, 10% of Guatemalans in 2021 had a disability. The United Nations Sustainable Development Group reported that despite making up one tenth of the population, persons with disabilities are often overlooked in public policy.

The Correlation Between Disability and Poverty in Guatemala

Only 15% of the 2 million Guatemalans with disabilities in 2005 earned an income. Furthermore, 66% of Guatemalans with disabilities at that time belonged to indigenous groups, disproportionately representing the indigenous citizens who only comprise 40% of Guatemala’s population. Disability and poverty in Guatemala affects the nation’s most marginalized communities.

International interest in defeating disability and poverty in Guatemala largely focuses on the nation’s unique demography. The country is home to the largest population in Central America and the largest proportion of indigenous citizens, simultaneously boasting the largest economy. With a young, emerging population and a high proportion of impoverished, disabled, and indigenous citizens, the world is fighting for Guatemala’s future. Here are three facts about disability and poverty in Guatemala.

1. Guatemala Is Fighting Poverty Fiercely

Guatemala has one of the fastest growing demographic rates in the region, with approximately 52% of the nation under 20 years of age. In part due to the country’s demographic characteristics, numerous groups are fighting poverty on the ground, like the European Commission, USAID, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, the Swedish International Development Agency and the United Nations System (like UNICEF). There is strong international interest in supporting Guatemalan security, particularly in the rule of law and development of structural economic equity across all groups.

In 2021, the United Nations Country Team in Guatemala (UNCT) sought to improve the visibility of Guatemalans with disabilities in public policy by performing an “in-depth analysis of disability inclusion.” The report highlighted how persons with disabilities in Guatemala often go unnoticed in public policy considerations. For example, UNCT discovered that data collection in the nation often excludes those with disabilities, and pledged to help solve this issue by aiding in the creation of a “national database of persons with disabilities.” It also launched a 15 day social media campaign with the tag “#YoMeSumo” before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2021 to focus global attention on the issue through the personal stories of Guatemalans with disabilities. Funding such efforts enables persons suffering from disability and poverty in Guatemala to become equal and active members of society.

2. WHO/PAHO Are Fighting To Include People With Disabilities

Within the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) office in Guatemala partnered with the Guatemalan Association for Persons with Disabilities (AGPD) to make national policy more inclusive. The WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund funded this, disbursing relief to 40 countries in total with the aim of establishing equitable response and recovery strategies. This Fund helped establish the “National Technical Roundtable for Strengthening the Inclusion of Persons with Disability in Health Risk Management,” and the Ministry of Health of Guatemala formalized it in 2022 as Guatemala’s first permanent Health and Risk Management tool aimed at improving the health of people with disabilities.

The national defense budget requested by the United States in the FY 2020 Budget Overview report was $718.3 billion. From 2020 to 2022, WHO raised $256 million dollars from contributors for the Solidarity Response Fund, or .03% of the 2020 defense budget. Guatemala received only a fraction of that total from WHO’s Fund, significantly impacting disability rights in one country with a small portion of funding.

3. Disability Rights in Guatemala Still Need Progress

The government funding provided to Guatemala through international cooperation does not always go to people with disabilities or their families. Some funds get directed to facilities that intentionally segregate children and adults with and without disabilities. A significant portion of institutional funding, for organizations like orphanages and psychiatric facilities, is thus rendered through payments in tourism packages for volunteers. People with disabilities in Guatemala living in poverty are often left isolated as a result, with a lack of access to resources and support.

Guatemala has achieved growth in this area. The 85% of individuals in 2005 with disabilities who did not earn an income and thus lived in poverty or extreme poverty declined to around 10% in 2020-21, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

Looking Ahead

With a growing international sentiment for vulnerable populations, alongside international cooperation and stability, progress is occurring for those facing disabilities in impoverished areas. It is becoming increasingly clear that poverty cannot be solved without specifically addressing the needs of those burdened by impairment. Disability increases the likelihood of individuals sinking into poverty, and a lack of resources hinders people with disabilities from accessing health care, education, and income. Efforts are slowly addressing disability and poverty in Guatemala as one interconnected issue. 

– Shea Michael Wildes Dickson

Shea is based in Newton, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Malnutrition in Guatemala

Malnutrition in GuatemalaWith nearly half of the population unable to afford basic foods, malnutrition in Guatemala remains a critical barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. This global target aims to eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, yet progress in the country has been slow. However, support from local organizations and international aid efforts offers a path forward.

The Current Situation of Hunger in Guatemala

Since 1960, Guatemala has struggled with high levels of food insecurity. At that time, 60% of children under 5 suffered from stunting. By 2023, that figure dropped to 46.5%, an improvement of just 0.21 percentage points per year over six decades. This slow progress reflects deep-rooted challenges. Malnutrition severely limits brain development in children, reducing educational outcomes and increasing vulnerability to illness. According to Seeds for a Future, malnourished parents often pass on these disadvantages to their children, reinforcing the cycle of poverty across generations.

More than 2.9 million Guatemalans face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Migrant flows also strain resources, with 223,000 people passing through the country between January and September 2024. Many of these individuals require food assistance, emergency nutrition and protection during their transit. Without swift humanitarian support, vulnerable populations face rising health risks. Aid groups urge donors to fund safe transit points and deliver nutritional support to prevent widespread health consequences.

Understanding the Root Causes

Systemic poverty continues to drive hunger in Guatemala. Environmental shocks, especially in the Dry Corridor, worsen the crisis. Many families rely on agriculture to survive, but droughts and erratic weather often destroy crops and slash incomes. As food prices rise and yields drop, households face greater difficulty feeding their children. In October 2024 alone, the Food Security and Nutrition Secretariat recorded 25,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under 5.

Short-term food distributions can save lives but rarely lead to lasting change. Many programs unintentionally create dependency by failing to build skills or resilience. Long-term strategies that focus on education, sustainable farming and economic empowerment provide communities with the tools to escape malnutrition permanently.

Organizations Supporting Guatemala

  • Seeds for a Future. Seeds for a Future is an organization that supplies rural families and communities with the training and essential resources to grow sustainable crops and understand nutritional health requirements for mothers and infants. Since 2009, the Seeds program has been addressing the issue of malnutrition in Guatemala with a 12-month program, mentoring families for their individual needs at a low cost. Currently, the organization has helped 5,400 families in 19 communities with its easily replicable food security and health training program. The program continues to implement its training strategies and hopes to expand to even more communities. 
  • World Food Programme (WFP).  The WFP has operated in Guatemala since 1974. Working closely with government ministries and United Nations (U.N.) agencies, the program assists with food security and nutrition for the country’s most vulnerable individuals and families. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 2), the WFP is strengthening social programs to minimize food insecurity and malnutrition in Guatemala. Workshops and nutrition-sensitive interventions were put in place to detect and better the conditions of malnutrition, especially for children and pregnant women. Considering the struggles that families go through after climate shocks, the program also works to enhance resilience and provide access to affordable markets.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, humanitarian agencies plan to scale up operations in 60 of Guatemala’s 81 most food-insecure municipalities, including Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango. These regions experience the highest rates of crop failure and child malnutrition and are in desperate need of food security interventions. Despite the high number of malnutrition cases in Guatemala, efforts are being implemented to improve the community’s resilience and health stability. The most vulnerable are receiving the necessary resources and support with the hopes of eliminating all forms of food insecurity by 2030. 

– Sarina Francis

Sarina is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Uneven Growth: Guatemala’s Poverty

Guatemala’s Uneven Growth Amid Persistent PovertyGuatemala, a land where ancient Mayan temples pierce through lush rainforest canopies, stands at a critical crossroads. Since 2000, Central America’s most populous nation has achieved noteworthy economic growth, boasting the region’s largest economy. According to the World Bank, Guatemala’s GDP was an estimated $108.9 billion. Yet beneath these statistics lies a paradox: for millions of Guatemalans, extreme poverty continues to define daily life. A 2023 national survey reported that 56% of the population lives in poverty, with about 10% surviving on $2.15 or less per person. Despite recent growth, the poverty rate has only dropped by about 3.3%.

The Human Face of Economic Disparity

Guatemala’s poverty shows up in the highest rate of childhood malnutrition in Latin America, limited access to clean water and unequal access to education. Conditions are especially severe for Indigenous communities, particularly descendants of the Maya. According to data from the United Nations (U.N.), approximately 80% of Guatemala’s indigenous people live in some form of poverty; in other words, four out of five people.

In rural villages, residents often lack sanitation, infrastructure and health care. In 44% of rural municipalities, at least three-quarters of residents live below the poverty line. These areas have historically received fewer services than cities like Guatemala City. Structural barriers—such as limited access to skilled jobs or land ownership—have made upward mobility difficult.

Very few of those in extreme poverty have access to sewage systems. Around half of Guatemala’s children are malnourished. In rural areas, the poverty rate stands at 66.3%, compared to about one-third in urban areas. These numbers point to a generational crisis where children grow up without the nutrition or resources to escape poverty.

Disasters and the Cost of Inaction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Eta and Iota destroyed more than 130,000 hectares of crops, pushing 1.8 million more people into food insecurity. Guatemala sits in the Dry Corridor, where erratic rainfall causes frequent crop failures. The U.N. reported in 2020 that more than 80% of families in this region struggled to meet basic food needs, which has led to a reliance on international food relief and an exodus into Mexico. In 2018, Volcán de Fuego, an active stratovolcano 18 km west of the city of Antigua, erupted, killing more than 200 people and destroying villages. About 43% of farmers in the region lost use of their land.

Corruption and Lack of Investment

Government responses often fall short. Corruption diverts resources away from those in need. Guatemala spends less of its GDP on social services than nearly every other country in the region. Public investment is low and the country has one of the weakest capacities to collect and use revenue for development. A 2014 World Bank report concluded that the country is at the bottom in public spending and ability to mobilize investment.

Faith-Based and International Aid

In many rural areas, churches and nonprofits fill gaps left by the state. Since 2014, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), funded in part by USAID, has distributed more than 40 million school meals through its Aprendizaje para la Vida program. During COVID-19, CRS and Caritas provided meals to 47,000 children in Totonicapán and offered classes to parents on how to prepare nutritious meals. Faith-based organizations also run mobile clinics, build homes and distribute drought-resistant seeds. Programs like Corredor Seco help improve access to clean water and food. NGOs such as Action Against Hunger and Fundación Genesis Empresarial work with the U.N. Food Programme to support local communities.

Looking Ahead

Nearly half the population continues to live in poverty without reliable access to essential services. Guatemala’s path forward depends on systemic reform, stronger governance and continued support from international partners. With collaboration, targeted investment and inclusive policies, there could be a way to break Guatemala’s poverty cycle.

– Max Marcello

Max is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Programs Helping to Reduce Child Poverty in Guatemala

Programs Helping the Impoverished Children of Guatemala Guatemala faces extreme educational difficulties, which heavily impact the future of its youth and contribute to ongoing poverty issues. The problem stems from a lack of access to resources such as books and computers, while many teachers lack proper training. Rural and indigenous communities face the most significant challenges. Only four out of every 10 children in Guatemala advance to middle school and only two of those 10 graduate from high school. This lack of quality education makes it difficult for children to escape poverty in Guatemala. Without education or relevant skills, they struggle to secure higher-paying jobs. However, several programs aim to address this issue by providing materials and improving education, offering a better future for these affected communities.

The Rotary Pathways Guatemala Literacy Project

The Rotary Pathways Guatemala Literacy Project (GLP), established in 1997, has worked to reach underprivileged communities and students through sustainable programs. This project has brought education to 295,000 children and emphasizes four complementary programs: Spark, Textbooks, Technology and Rise Youth Development. Furthermore, these programs help impoverished children in Guatemala by promoting literacy and developing technological skills.

  • Spark Program. The Spark Program aims to train teachers specifically in children’s literature and reading-focused lessons to help raise the literacy rates, which at the moment are almost 85% for most of Guatemala but reaching only about 33% for rural and indigenous communities. Through the Spark Program, 49% of first-graders scored better than the national average.
  • Textbook Program. The Textbook Program provides students with textbooks in various subjects and trains teachers to incorporate these materials into their lessons effectively. In rural Guatemala, 90% of schools lack access to textbooks. The Textbook Program helps lower this percentage by providing affordable textbooks for students and improving access to quality educational materials.
  • Technology Program. The Technology Program provides students access to computers, which enhances their technological literacy. Furthermore, this approach helps teach them necessary tech skills that are beneficial for future jobs. In Guatemala, 60% of entry-level jobs require tech skills. The program closes the digital divide and reduces unemployment by equipping students with the tools necessary to succeed.
  • Rise Youth Development Program. The Rise Youth Development Program provides scholarships to students in need, especially Mayan children in rural communities. The program alleviates economic stress on families by covering school costs, allowing students to focus on their education. It also offers peer mentoring, home visits to engage families and academic and social support. Since its inception, the Rise Youth Development Program has increased high school graduation rates for impoverished children from 10% to 80%.

The GLP’s Impact on Children’s Lives

The GLP has extended hope through the power of education and has continuously shown the benefits of technological literacy through the success of its students. As of 2025, the project plans to help another 6,200 children between January and October. Through its various programs, the GLP has helped hundreds of thousands of children obtain quality education and improve their chances of securing better jobs, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty.

Looking Ahead

The Guatemala Literacy Project has made significant progress in addressing educational inequalities and poverty in Guatemala. By enhancing literacy, expanding access to learning materials, bridging the digital divide and supporting vulnerable students through scholarships, these programs offer a comprehensive solution to poverty. Continued support and expansion of these initiatives could sustain these achievements, empowering even more children to escape poverty and secure brighter futures.

– Cheyenne Weller

Cheyenne is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Poverty

Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Cycles of Poverty More than 10% of women worldwide are trapped in extreme poverty due to structural barriers such as inadequate education and vocational training, limited financial resources and prevailing patriarchal social structures that hinder their mobility out of poverty. Women’s Empowerment International (WE) is actively disrupting these cycles. WE funds small business loans, education, training and other strategies to alleviate poverty through partnerships with high-impact, nonprofit organizations. This support equips women with the necessary resources and tools to improve their livelihoods and enhance their lives.

WE Organization’s Focus

WE focus on regions where women are in dire need and lack adequate social support from states or governments. The organization carefully selects nonprofit partners to deliver tailored programs for women in need. These partners develop and run high-impact programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of women below the poverty line. The programs address key issues such as violence against women’s sustainability and ensure regular and responsive communication among all participants.

WE measure the progress of its programs using the ‘WISE: Women’s Impact Sustainability and Empowerment Project’ data metric. This tool evaluates improvements in financial literacy, shifts in provider roles, changes in decision-making and business sustainability to ensure that women are the primary beneficiaries. WE’s expansive reach includes impactful work in Guatemala, San Diego, Haiti, Honduras, Uganda and El Salvador. Each program is specifically tailored to the goals of the women in each locale and the resources available to maximize success.

Honduras

In Honduras, 70% of the population lives in poverty, with half of the population in some areas surviving on less than $1.25 per day. Rural illiteracy rates are as high as 40% and child malnutrition exceeds 60%. Residents of these areas, often isolated with no transportation or access to clean water, primarily rely on subsistence farming, logging and livestock raising for income. Since 2007, WE has collaborated with the Adelante Foundation to offer small business loans to 2,100 women in these impoverished rural communities. It also provides educational resources, achieving a loan repayment rate of 94.4%. Women receiving loans support each other as guarantors, creating solidarity groups that foster collective success. These entrepreneurs have launched ventures ranging from local stores and bicycle repair shops to greenhouses, using their profits to educate their children and reinvest in their communities.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, WE has formed a partnership with Multicolores. The organization assists women in creating sustainable sources of income independent of formal education or long-term external aid. Based in rural villages, Multicolores supports Indigenous Mayan women through the ‘Stitching New Narratives’ program, which enhances their traditional stitching and design skills. This initiative not only celebrates their indigenous heritage but also enables them to produce garments that foster economic prosperity, helping to elevate them from poverty. The program supports these artists in their creative and economic development, which in turn improves their living conditions, health, well-being, and social mobility.

Uganda

Uganda has been severely affected by the AIDS epidemic, which has left many children orphaned. Thousands of grandmothers have become primary caregivers, often supporting up to six children single-handedly. In 2024, WE partnered with the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Foundation to launch the Nyaka Granny Microfinance Project. This initiative provides loans to grandmothers to start small businesses, generating income to support their families. More than 7,000 grandmothers have benefited from the program, engaging in activities such as animal husbandry, handicrafts, produce cultivation and crop sales. By earning an income, these grandmothers can improve their living conditions. Additionally, they can ensure their grandchildren receive an education, thus breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women across generations.

Driving Change

Women’s Empowerment International have made incredible strides in empowering women in areas of high poverty. Its programs enable women to develop the tools and infrastructure needed for sustainable economic progression. Furthermore, by providing initial assistance and resources, the organization allows women to drive their success rather than remaining dependent on external aid.

– Rebecca Barry

Rebecca is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Maya Ch’orti’ in Guatemala: Combating Food Insecurity

Maya Ch’orti’ in Guatemala: Combating Food Insecurity and Poverty In the mountainous regions of eastern Guatemala, the Maya Ch’orti’ people are reviving centuries-old agricultural practices to combat food insecurity and poverty. These Indigenous communities have faced significant challenges, including land degradation, the changing climate and limited access to markets. With support from organizations like Slow Food International and its Indigenous Terra Madre network, the Maya Ch’orti’ people are reintroducing sustainable farming methods. These traditional methods not only preserve their cultural heritage but also offer a sustainable pathway out of poverty. 

The Challenge of Food Insecurity

Guatemala is one of the most food-insecure countries in Latin America. More than half of the population enduring multidimensional poverty and rural Indigenous communities like the Maya Ch’orti’ are disproportionately affected. Historically, the Maya Ch’orti’ practiced sustainable agriculture, growing maize, beans and squash using traditional intercropping methods. However, the combination of modern agricultural pressures and environmental degradation led to the decline of these practices. Furthermore, this has resulted in poor crop yields and increased poverty.

Currently, the changing climate exacerbates these problems. Changes in the climate make it more difficult for the Maya Ch’orti’ to grow enough food to feed their families. Many households struggle with malnutrition and limited income, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that spans generations. This is where Indigenous agriculture in Guatemala comes into play, reviving ancient methods to address food insecurity.

Reviving the Milpa System

In response to these ongoing challenges, organizations like Slow Food International have stepped in to help the Maya Ch’orti’ reclaim their traditional agricultural knowledge. Slow Food International is a global organization dedicated to preserving local food cultures, promoting biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture by empowering communities, including Indigenous peoples, to maintain traditional farming practices and protect their natural resources. 

With funding and technical assistance from the Indigenous Terra Madre network, the community is reintroducing the Milpa system, a traditional intercropping method that involves planting maize, beans and squash together. This system, a core example of Indigenous agriculture in Guatemala, is proving to be an effective solution for increasing crop yields and improving soil health.

The Milpa system is highly sustainable: maize provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil to improve fertility and squash leaves cover the ground, preventing weeds and conserving moisture. This method has sustained the Maya people for thousands of years and is now being revived to improve food security and resilience in the face of the changing climate.

Economic and Social Benefits

The reintroduction of the Milpa system has profoundly impacted the Maya Ch’orti’ community. The system enables families to produce more food and diversify their crops. This enhances nutrition and reduces reliance on market-bought goods, boosting food sovereignty and shielding the community from food price fluctuations. The revival of traditional agriculture not only improves food security but also creates economic opportunities for the Maya Ch’orti’. With support from Slow Food International, farmers connect to national and international markets that value organic and heritage crops. Selling surplus produce allows families to earn sustainable incomes and lift themselves out of poverty, revealing the broad benefits of Indigenous agriculture in Guatemala.

Empowering Women and Community Resilience

A critical aspect of Slow Food International’s support has been the empowerment of women within the Maya Ch’orti’ community. Women play a central role in traditional food production. By giving them access to resources, training and markets, the project has enabled them to take leadership roles in the agricultural economy. This has not only improved food security but also enhanced gender equality and economic independence for women in the community. Additionally, the project has helped strengthen the community’s resilience to the changing climate.

The Milpa system’s ability to improve soil health and retain moisture makes it more adaptable to changing weather patterns. By revitalizing these Indigenous practices, the Maya Ch’orti’ are better equipped to withstand environmental challenges and ensure their long-term survival. This initiative highlights how Indigenous agriculture in Guatemala can potentially offer a sustainable solution to global challenges.

Looking Ahead

The revival of traditional agriculture among the Maya Ch’orti’ people, supported by Slow Food International, highlights the potential of Indigenous-led solutions to tackle global food insecurity and poverty. The Maya Ch’orti’ combine cultural knowledge with modern support to forge a sustainable future for their community. This initiative’s success demonstrates that investing in Indigenous agriculture in Guatemala preserves biodiversity and cultural heritage. Furthermore, it offers a viable solution to pressing global challenges.

– Safa Musa

Safa is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr