My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian 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 Tunajá is extremely difficult.

Hello! I am Carlos Santiago Tzoy Garcia. I am very excited to greet you for the first time. It is a pleasure to share something about me with you. Before starting, let me tell you that my maternal aunt Juana gave this information to the LW team. Well, talking about me, I am a six-year-old boy. Thank God, I am healthy. My favorite sport is soccer. I like green, and I love eating roasted chicken. My favorite animal is the snake. I am in pre-kindergarten this year. My aunt is the one who takes me to the feeding program. We walk for 5 minutes to be there. It is really close!

Unfortunately, I have not been legally recognized by my biological father. I do not know anything about him. On the other hand, my mother is Elidia Hortencia Tzoy Garcia. She is working in Guatemala City in a small restaurant. She lives there and only comes to visit me every 4 months. Meanwhile, I stay under the care of my aunt Juana Tzoy Garcia. She is 41 years old. She dedicates her time to doing the housework and taking care of me. Thankfully, both are in good health. I am an only child. I live in my aunt´s house. It is made of adobe, tile roof and cement floor. There are two rooms including the kitchen. We have the main services such as running water and electricity. They pay the electricity every month and the water every year. They both share the expenses. We have many necessities to cover, but the main one is my school expense. We attend the Catholic Church. Well, thank you for letting me introduce myself to you. I pray the Lord keeps you well and heathy in your country. I send you many kisses and hugs.

Best regards,

Carlos Santiago Tzoy Garcia

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua