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, allow me to tell you a little about myself and my family. I am Sherly Judith Aguilar de Leon, and I was born on May 21, 2013. I am 12 years old now. I attend school and I am in 6^th grade. I enjoy playing memory, watching TV, painting, talking and playing with my dog in my free time. Thanks to God, I am healthy. I love purple, and my favorite animal is the dog. I like to eat eggs and beans. I live with my parents and brother. My father is Engerlbert Rulaman Aguilar Sacarias, and he earns a living working as a helper in a warehouse. My mother is Yocelin Yojana De Leon Hernandez, and she works making tortillas three times a week. My brother is Engerlbert, and he attends the feeding program too. My family is in good health. We do not attend any church.

We live in a rented house made of block, concrete roof and concrete floor. There are two rooms, a separate kitchen, running water and electricity. My parents pay monthly for rent Q. 900.00 quetzals ($ 120.00). At home, we have one dog and two rabbits. Our greatest needs are clothing, groceries and shoes. I walk about 40 minutes from home to the feeding program. I say goodbye to you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter.  

Many blessings,

Sherly Judith Aguilar de Leon

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary