My Story

Nueva Esperanza, which means New Hope, is located in a slum area of Guatemala City, Guatemala. An extremely poor area, our program is squeezed in among the shanty dwellings built over an old city dump. Many houses in this area are without toilets or running water and are assembled with scrap wood, sheet metal, and cardboard. Zone 5, where Nueva Esperanza is located, is considered one of the most dangerous areas of Guatemala City. It is controlled by gangs and drug pushers. Robberies and murders are common in this area. Public education is available - however, many cannot afford it. Life in Zone 5 is very difficult. 

I feel so happy to be able to write you in this opportunity. My name is Mario Luis Belarmino Pacheco Lara. I was born on February 12, 2013. I am now 12 years old. The things that I like the most to do are: painting, drawing and reading stories. Thanks to God, I am healthy. The rabbit is my favorite animal. I love the color green. A delicious dish for me is barbecue wings. My father is Belarmino Pacheco Geronimo. Sadly, some years ago my father suffered an accident at work that caused both of his legs to be amputated. He is currently in a wheelchair and is diabetic; due to his condition he cannot find a job. My mother Maria Alicia Lara Vasquez does her best to support our family by working as a cook. I have three siblings, but only two of them attend the feeding program. Our greatest needs are groceries, a closet and a bed. My family are members of a Christian church called Arboles de Justicia.

We live in a house which belongs to my grandmother. There are three rooms but we use only two of them because we share the house with other relatives. It is made of block, concrete roof and concrete floor with running water and electricity and with a separate kitchen. My uncle helps us to cover the expenses of the services. We have several animals at home like the rabbit but my favorites are the rooster and the dogs. It takes me about 5 minutes walking from home to the feeding program. I hope to hear from you soon.

Kisses and hugs,

Mario Luis Belarmino Pacheco Lara

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary