My Story

Tunaja is a small area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiché Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayani dialect - Quiché. The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system. Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it. Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area. Life in Tunaja is difficult.

Hello, my name is Jenifer Scarleth Fabiola. I was born on December 27, 2017 in the hospital of Joyabaj, Quiche. I am 5 years old. I live in a humble house in Tunaja. It belongs to my father, and we do not share it with anyone. It has one room and a separate kitchen. It is made of tile roof, dirt floor and adobe walls. We have running water and electricity that my father pays for. Our domestic animals are chickens and pigs. We are in need of groceries, but mostly corn.

My health is good. I attend kindergarten at school and I am not repeating. My favorite color is purple, and my favorite animal is the dog. I enjoy eating fried chicken. My hobbies are playing tag and with my dolls. I normally walk for 15 minutes to arrive at the feeding program with one cousin. My whole family attends the Catholic Church.

My father´s name is Agustin Garcia Hernandez. He lives with us and supports our family by farming the land and working as a day laborer as well. My mother´s name is Matea Garcia Hernandez. She looks after us and does the hard work at home. Moreover, she helps with the expenses by weaving typical blouses or napkins to sell. I only have one brother. My whole family attends the Catholic Church. I want to thank you for reading my short story. I hope you are doing well with your family. I send you many hugs and prayers.

Best regards from now on,

Jenifer Scarleth Fabiola Garcia Garcia

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua