Storm Eta Emergency Response in Guatemala

IsraAID Guatemala has continued focusing on schools as strategic drivers of change in underserved, rural communities in Alta Verapaz, the country’s poorest department. We simultaneously equip schools to provide protective environments and tackle issues that cause children to drop out of education early. This two-pronged strategy enhances vulnerable children and their families’ access to information, infrastructure, and support across interconnecting issues, from safe water access to children’s rights.

As part of our comprehensive approach to complex challenges that affect this community, we recently trained more than 100 teachers and parents’ committees on key issues relating to nutrition. We then provided schools with scales to monitor students’ height and weight, and strengthened referral pathways so they can refer cases of concern to partners for specialist malnutrition support. We continue supporting these community leaders to educate children and parents about a healthy diet, with a strong focus on locally available produce.

Additionally, we have begun focusing on urgent needs relating to migration. The number of migrants in Guatemala has tripled in under a year to more than 100,000 people, largely driven by economic insecurity and extreme weather across Central America. Many transit hubs have limited access to healthcare and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and high exposure to protection risks. Those who lack the resources to keep moving must stay in these areas for prolonged periods, further exacerbating their vulnerability: 70% of migrant women are traveling with children and almost 40% have experienced violence and extortion. Minimal information about migrants’ rights and access to basic services in Guatemala has left large populations urgently needing support.

IsraAID is preparing to respond. We will leverage extensive local experience in protection, including mental health and psychosocial support; gender-based violence; and child protection, as well as WASH and health. We have strong partnerships with key actors in Guatemala and across the region, and benefit from IsraAID Global’s know-how and experience too. This includes 5+ years supporting mixed migrants in Colombia, and cumulative decades partnering long-term with displaced communities worldwide.

As we prepare to deliver critical humanitarian aid for vulnerable migrants in Guatemala, our commitment to indigenous communities in Alta Verapaz remains steadfast. Our integrated approach to local and regional challenges is the most powerful way we can identify populations at risk and partner with them to strengthen their capacity to cope with long-term challenges. We look forward to updating you on the impact we deliver in 2024 – thank you for your support!