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 Dario Manuel and I turned 11 years old on September 20. I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche. I attend the 4^th grade and I am not repeating. My health is good. My favorite color is black and I like cats. My favorite dish is fried chicken. My hobby is playing football. My family does not go to any church, but I thank the LW team that encouraged us to attend one.

There are eight members in my family. My father´s name is Israel Gonzalez Riz. He has not lived with us for 6 months ago because he traveled to the coast to work by selling fruits. My mother´s name is Maria Chingo Riz. She also travels to help my father. We stay at home under the care of my maternal aunt. Her name is Nicolasa Chingo Ruiz. She works by weaving. I have three brothers and one sister. My sister Maria is registered in the feeding program as well as me. We always walk for 30 minutes to attend the program.

We live in our own house that belongs to my father. My grandmother and aunt live with us. It is a two-room house of block walls, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. For our kitchen, there is just a tin sheet roof that covers some part of land. We have running water and electricity that my father and aunt take turns to pay. We have some pigs and chickens at home. As a family, we need food. I appreciate that you read the information that my aunt gave the LW teacher. Thank you so much and may God bless you even more! I send hugs from Guatemala.

Best regards from now on,

Dario Manuel Gonzalez Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua