Country: Guatemala
Project Name: Ninos Shecanos

Guatemala City

Ninos Shecanos, the project through which your CCF child receives
the benefits of your sponsorship, is located in western Guatemala.

Living Conditions:
The people who live here are known as Ladinos. They speak Spanish and
wear westernized clothes.

The standard of living in the community is poor with most people working 
as masons, shoemakers and tailors. Job opportunities are scarce. In
addition, the people's low level of education and skills has worsened
the unemployment problem.

Families live in houses built of adobe or block walls with galvanized
metal or tile roofs. At present, most of the homes have latrines,
running water, a drainage system and electricity. Their diet consists of 
offee, tortillas, beans and salt, with occasional milk, vegetables and meat.
This diet is very low in nutrition which, along with poor sanitation, results
in malnutrition and disease.

There are some public schools in the area, but many children do not attend
since their parents cannot afford tuition or supplies. Other
children cannot attend regularly since they are needed to help their
parents work in the fields or at home.

Project Programs and Services:
With CCF sponsorship assistance, the project provides the children and their
families with health, nutrition, education and child development assistance.
 The goal is to improve the quality of life for these families and help them
become selfsufficient. Your support for these activities gives the children
and families hope for a better future.

Health Care:
To cope with the lack of health care in the area, the project operates a 
medical clinic where children obtain medical and dental care. Medicines 
and immunizations are also provided through the clinic.

Education:
The project encourages school attendance and assists with the costs of 
uniforms and school fees. Early stimulation is also provided as well
as school reinforcement. Recreational instruction is provided to help
the children develop their social and physical skills. This provides 
variety and relaxation in their otherwise difficult lives.

The project is developing a program to provide the younger children with 
preschool instruction. In addition, a non-formal education program is
being initiated to provide parents with guidance in the areas of child 
development, cultural identity, children's rights, health, nutrition and 
the environment.