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 feel so happy to be part of the feeding program and have the opportunity to write a little about me. I am Bryan Isaac Chan Medrano. I was born on June 8, 2017. I am 8 years old now. I attend school this year and I am in 1^st grade.  I enjoy play toy cars, painting and watching TV. My favorite color is blue and I love cats. The foods that I like the most are roast chicken and chicken with cream. I have five sisters. Talking about my family: my father is Alber Giovanni Chan Vasquez, and he supports our family working as a baker. My father suffers from eczema on his chest. He goes to the doctor every 6 months to have the medicine injected. My mother is Nancy Pahola Medrano Castillo, and she helps to cover our needs by working as a cook helper in a typical restaurant. Thanks to God, my family and I are healthy. My family does not attend any church.

We live in a rented house made of block, concrete roof and floor, with running water and electricity.  There are four rooms but we only use three of them and a separate kitchen. We share it and the expenses with my paternal aunt. We have two cats and a dog at home. Our greatest needs are groceries, shoes and school supplies. I walk about 10 minutes from home to the feeding program. I say farewell until the next time.

Many blessings,

Bryan Isaac Chan Medrano

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary