My Story

Jocotenango, where your child lives, is in the state of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala and is a suburb of Antigua. It is an urban environment and is inhabited by both Quiché Indians and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). Most of the children attend school, but financial hardship affects many families and forces most of the children to leave after the sixth grade. Only one out of ten children finish high school. Children in this area face temptations from gangs and drugs.

Hello! My name is Diego Alejandro Mendoza Larios. I want to tell you a little about my family and me. Thankfully, I am in good health. I was born on May 8, 2010, so I am 15 years old. I am attending school, and I am in 8th grade this year. I like playing soccer in my free time. My favorite color is blue, and I love dogs. I enjoy eating lasagna. I have one brother and one sister. At the moment, we are not attending a church. My mother’s name is Lilian Maritza Larios Hernandez, and she works as a cook in a restaurant. My father’s name was Hector Rodolfo Mendoza, and sadly, he passed away when I was a little baby.

We live in our own house, and it is made of concrete block with a concrete roof and ceramic floor. We have running water and electricity service, and my mother pays these bills. We have one dog as a pet. I walk for 15 minutes to arrive at the feeding program, and my mom and I are so grateful for having the opportunity to be registered in it. I would like to end this letter asking for your prayers for my mom because she is a single parent. I hope to hear news from you soon.

With much love

Diego Alejandro Mendoza Larios

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua