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 Lester Eduardo and I am 9 years old. I am in good health thank God. I come from a humble family and have one brother and on sister. We all live together in Tunaja. Nevertheless, my parents do not have a house of their own. For that reason, my grandmother Teresa Cux let us live in her own house. She lives with my grandfather and some uncles. My father´s name is Joel Cux Cux and my mother´s is Angelica Cux Mucia. My father farms the land or works as a day laborer to support us. Meanwhile my mother helps with the expenses by washing clothes from some neighbors that live near us. Moreover, she takes care of us and the house.

About my home, well it has three rooms and one kitchen. It is made of adobe and cemented walls, tile roof and cemented floor. My grandmother pays for the running water and electricity services. We have domestic animals and they are chickens. My family has many needs, but the main ones are groceries and corn. We are members of a church here in Tunaja.

My sister Zuly and I are recently registered in the feeding program, and we enjoy attending every time. We normally take a bus that drives around 10 minutes to leave us at the program. I was born in Zacualpa on July 19^th, 2014. I am a 2^nd grader student this year. My favorite color is blue. In my free time, I like playing football. I enjoy eating chow mien. My favorite animal is the eagle. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my update. Lastly, I want you to know that my mother gave this information to the LW teacher. I send you blessings best wishes in your life.

Best regards from now on,

Lester Eduardo Cux Cux

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua