Although Guatemala recently reopened its borders, we continue to see more cases of COVID-19 every day, like most places around the world. Our country is facing the pandemic as we continue to struggle with a range of urgent issues affecting many in our communities, including violence, deep poverty, and a lack of access to adequate health care.
And in recent months, the cost of basic grains has increased in Latin America, further threatening the health and food security of our community members as well as local economies.
As AFSC country coordinator in Guatemala, I want to thank you for the care and generosity demonstrated by the AFSC community, which has helped us respond to this public health crisis. Your support has allowed us to assist dozens of families in peri-urban communities around Guatemala City, where we have long worked with young people to build peace in their communities.
Over the summer, we worked with local partner Instituto Privado en Educación Básica Ciudad Quetzal (Private Institute for Basic Education Ciudad Quetzal) to provide foods—including pasta, beans, rice, milk, and eggs—as well as soap and other supplies to 30 families in the community. And in the area of Mezquital, Villa Nueva, we worked with local partner Jóvenes por la Vida (Youth for Life) to deliver bags of food and hygiene products to 84 families.
Thank you for supporting our efforts and standing in solidarity with communities in Guatemala as we weather these difficult times. With your help, we will continue to provide resources to help communities stay healthy and well while moving forward in our efforts to build a just, peaceful future for all.