My Story

Tunaja is a very primitive area of the state of Quiche, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiche Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayan dialect - Quiche. 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 extremely difficult.

Hello! My full name is Diego Yahir Ventura Hernandez, and I cordially greet you through this letter. I was born on November 27, 2020. I am a healthy 4-year-old boy. I am too young to attend school, so I stay home with my mother. I love playing with my stuffed animals. My favorite color is grey. I love eating beans with rice. My favorite animals are cows. I am a lucky boy because I have a lovely family. My father’s name is Diego Alfredo Ventura Gutierrez. He makes a living as an elementary school teacher. My mother’s name is Lorena Hernandez Garcia. She is a housewife and works at her modest convenience store to contribute to the expenses. One of our priorities is food. As for siblings, I want you to know that I only have one brother.

We do not attend any church at the moment. The house where we live belongs to my father. Its walls and roofs are made of concrete blocks, and it has ceramic floors. It has six rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. We also have enough space at home to raise our chickens and pigs. The feeding program is about five minutes away from our house. Therefore, my oldest brother and I walk to get there. I will leave you now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. My mother and a staff member of LW helped me write this letter. May God bless you!

Huge hugs,

Diego Yahir Ventura Hernandez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala