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 Mayani 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 William and I am 6 years old. I was born on July 17^th, 2017, in Zacualpa, Quiche. I am in kindergarten at school due to my age. My hobbies are playing toy cars and hide-and-seek. My health is good and my favorite color is green. I like cats and I enjoy eating fried chicken. I have three brothers and one sister. I attend the feeding program with two of my brothers. We usually walk for 40 minutes to arrive there.

I love my parents. My father´s name is Genaro Hernandez Mechen and he works as a day laborer or sometimes as a mason´s helper. My mother´s name is Teresa de la Cruz Garcia, and she takes care of us and the house. She also raises chickens for selling to help with the incomes. My family are members of the Catholic Church.

We own a house in Tunaja that has three rooms including the kitchen. It is made of adobe, tile roof and dirt floor. There is electricity and running water that my parents pay. We do not have any other domestic animals besides the chickens that my mother raises. As many other families, we have many needs but the main one is groceries. Well, this is all for now. I thank my mother because she gave this information to the LW teacher. I send you many greetings hoping you are doing well.

Best regards from now on,

William Hernandez de la Cruz

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua