My Story

Tunaja is a small area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiché Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayan dialect - Quiché. The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system. Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it. Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area. Life in Tunaja is difficult.

Hello! My name is Henry Geovany Eligio. I was born in Joyabaj Quiche on April 10, 2011. I am a healthy 12-year-old boy. My favorite sport is football. I am in the third grade at school. I like the color red and my favorite animal is the rabbit. I enjoy eating eggs and black beans. I have one brother and one sister. I like attending the feeding program and I usually walk for 45 minutes to arrive there. My family and I attend the Church of God.

My father´s name is Delmo Quixan Luis. He sadly abandoned us 4 years ago but does not help us financially nor have communication with us. My mother´s name Josefa Magdalena Ixporcuac Coj. She struggles hard to support us by working in a tortilla shop every day in the village. Meanwhile, we stay under the care of my maternal grandmother. She shares her house with us. Thankfully, we do not pay any rent because my grandmother is the owner. There are two rooms in the house with a separate kitchen. They are made of brick and adobe, some parts of cement roof and some tile roof. There are cemented floors in some parts also and others are dirt. We have electricity and my mother pays for the service every month. Besides there is an artisanal well where we get the water. There are some chickens at home. As a family, our main need is food. I appreciate that you read this update. Lastly, I want you to know that my aunt Esmirna gave all this information to the LW teacher to share with you. Thank you so much for your attention and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards from now on,

Henry Geovany Eligio Quixan Ixporcuac

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua