By Leilani Yats | Executive Director
Dear Friend of Seeds for a Future,
From the lush highlands surrounding Lake Atitlán to the vibrant communities of the southern coast, your support is making an enduring difference across Guatemala. With each passing season, our reach grows, as does the impact of your generosity.
Expanding Our Reach: Santa María Visitación
Just across the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán lies Santa María Visitación, a close-knit town of just over 2,600 people. In this small community, the seeds of change are taking root.
Field Team Members, like the devoted Carmelina, have mentored over 220 families in sustainable agriculture and home nutrition practices. Of those, 160 families joined just this year, transforming their home spaces into thriving food gardens that support year-round nourishment.
"Seeds for the Future helps us take advantage of the space around our homes. They’ve taught us to grow chard, blackberry, and flor amarilla—plants we didn’t think would grow here because of the weather. Now, we’re eating those greens every week.”
— Rosa L., Program Participant
Rosa María’s experience speaks volumes: when given knowledge and tools, women rise as leaders in feeding and strengthening their families.
Growing Impact Through Partnership
Reducing malnutrition takes a holistic strategy. That’s why we’ve deepened our commitment to clean water access, made possible through our ongoing partnership with Water4Life.
This year alone, we’ve coordinated the delivery of 100 water filters to families across the rural countryside. In regions where water contamination is widespread, this small yet vital resource safeguards health, particularly for young children.
In rural Guatemala, nearly 50% of children under age five suffer from chronic malnutrition (stunting), and unsafe drinking water is a major contributor. By addressing root causes, including nutrition, sanitation, and access to clean water, we’re working toward a future where families thrive, not just survive.
Amplifying Awareness: A Visit from Population Connection
In March, we were honored to welcome Hannah Evans of Population Connection to our headquarters in Chocolá. Her visit offered a firsthand look at our field operations, training models, and the powerful results of community-led solutions.
Last month, Hannah and I co-hosted a live virtual session to share these insights with the Population Connection donor community. Together, we highlighted the urgent food security challenges facing rural Guatemala and demonstrated how Seeds for a Future is meeting this need with empathy, evidence, and empowerment.
With your continued support, the roots of resilience grow stronger each day. Thank you for believing in this work and in the families who are writing their own stories of transformation.
With deep gratitude,
Leilani Yats
Executive Director
Seeds for a Future
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