Fight Rising Malnutrition in Rural Guatemala

Dear Friends,

To start the year, we are expanding our Nutrition Program through a gardens research project to help many children eat healthy and grow strong so they can reach their fullest potential later in life.

Our Nutrition Team (Andrea, Valeria, Kelly and Lena) had the opportunity to visit a great gardens project created by Aldea, originally known as BPD meaning Bienestar, Progreso, Desarrollo (Wellness, Progress and Development).  The two men in charge of showing the gardens, José (Project Director) and Calixto (Agricultural Technician) are very knowledgeable and were open to answer all the questions our team had for them.  They showed them their sample garden in the village of San Vicente in Chimaltenango and our team had the honor to visit three women's homes who have gardens, and cook a meal with their own produce.

During this year, we will be working with community leaders who will help us implement gardens to support children’s health and nutrition, with the help of ECHO's technical advice and guidance.  Kelly, who is currently ECHO's intern, will be providing us with all the support to launch our project in the next couple of months.  We have 977 new children enrolled in our Nutrition Program, which translates into thousands of families looking after their children in this early stage of life, and mothers feeding their kids! 

It is beautiful to see how a small action can produce a great change in a community, and with your INCREDIBLE SUPPORT, we will be able to reach more families and this project will make healthy foods readily available for children.  They will have the opportunity to get the quality foods they need to lead strong, productive lives with futures full of opportunities.  Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the 1000s of children in Guatemala we have been able to help, because of you!

With much gratitude,

The team at Maya Health Alliance | Wuqu’ Kawoq