My Story

Nueva Esperanza, which means New Hope, is located in a slum area of Guatemala City, Guatemala. An extremely poor area, our program is squeezed in among the shanty dwellings built over an old city dump. Many houses in this area are without toilets or running water and are assembled with scrap wood, sheet metal, and cardboard. Zone 5, where Nueva Esperanza is located, is considered one of the most dangerous areas of Guatemala City. It is controlled by gangs and drug pushers. Robberies and murders are common in this area. Public education is available - however, many cannot afford it. Life in Zone 5 is very difficult.

Hello! I am so happy to write this to tell you a little about my life. This is Brittany Yuleidy Contreras Oscal. I was born on March 6, 2021. I am 4 years old. I did not attend school yet due to my young age. I enjoy spending time playing dolls and watching TV. I like pink, and my favorite animal is a rabbit. A delicious dish for me is vegetable soup. Thanks to God, I am healthy and so is my family. I would like to tell you a little about my family. I live only with my mother, grandmother and brother since my father never legally recognize me. My mother is the only one who supports our family by working selling second hand clothes and cookies. My family does not attend any church.

We live in my grandmother´s house which is made of block, tin sheet roof and concrete floor with running water and electricity. There are five rooms but we only use one of them and my mother shares the kitchen with my grandmother. My grandmother parys the home expenses. Our greatest needs are groceries and school supplies. I walk about 20 minutes from home to the feeding program. I say goodbye for now hoping you like my letter and that I hear from you soon.

Warm hugs,

Brittany Yuleidy Contreras Oscal

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary