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COUNTRIES

Guatemala

Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast. Guatemala’s abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems contributes to Mesoamerica’s designation as a biodiversity hotspot. The country is also known for its rich and distinct culture, which is characterized by a fusion of Spanish and Indigenous influences.

COUNTRY FACTS:
  • Capital: Guatemala City
  • Population: 16.91 million
  • Language: Spanish and Amerindian
  • The first chocolate bar was invented in Guatemala during Mayan times

Our History in Guatemala

FH started operating in Guatemala in 1976 in response to an earthquake that killed more than 23,000 people through the provision of clothing, food and plastic sheeting for temporary shelters. After officially establishing the office in 1981 to focus on child development, FH concentrated on meeting the needs of orphans and widows who had been affected by Guatemala’s civil war. Today the work in Guatemala has expanded and deepened to focus on long-term community development. Currently FH Guatemala operates currently operates in 112 communities in the regions of Alta Verapaz, Quiche and Huehuetenango and serves 88,384 individuals.

lady in Guatemala

Stories From Guatemala

GUA USAID IFRP Humanitarian - Nutrition Training

Nourishing Dreams in Guatemala

In the rural countryside of Guatemala, two unique families once struggled through poverty. Thankfully, the children are now growing and their parents are hopeful for their families’ futures. Let’s take a look at how this transformation was made possible in two Guatemalan communities through support of donors like you. In

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Giving Through FH Matching Program Answer Prayers

Giving Through FH Matching Program Answer Prayers No matter how complicated our needs, God provides – sometimes dramatically, and often working through the compassion of others. Olivia lives in Guatemala and was pregnant with her fifth daughter when her husband abandoned the family. He’d been physically abusive during their marriage

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Key Challenges

2.7 million people are affected by food insecurity | 50% of children under 5 are stunted | 36.1% of the population does not have access to safe sanitation

You are about to embark on a new FH Donor Experience

If you need assistance, please contact us at donorhelp@fh.org or 866-307-3259.

Gift Policy:
You may send small, flat paper-based items that can fit into a standard #10 size envelope, have a value of less than $5 dollars and weigh less than 4 ounces. We ask that you send small, flat items of this size because shipping is expensive and even small gift items can cause issues clearing customs.
You can send postcards or photographs, however, we ask that you visit here for more details about culturally appropriate guidelines for photos and other images. Please write the child’s ID # on the back of each item that you enclose with your letter to ensure that it reaches him/her.
 
Best gifts to send your sponsored child:
  • Paper dolls
  • Postcards
  • Pictures of yourself or family
  • Sports cards, individual cards (baseball, soccer, football)
  • Stickers (flat, paper-based, only a few at a time)
  • Paper-based simple bookmarks, stationery, drawing, or writing paper (single sheets)
  • Coloring pages (single sheets, not books)
  • Please do NOT send:
  • Monetary gifts
  • Liquids, candy, or food
  • Batteries or magnets
Please note, all items should be compliant with airline transport and safety regulations. Gifts that don’t meet the gift policy will be donated to a local Christian non-profit organization in Phoenix, Arizona, that works with low-income families. We will not be able to return them.