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.

Hello! I am glad to write this letter and tell you a little about my life. This is Bianca Nohemy Chan Castillo. I was born on October 23, 2016. I am 8 years old. This year, I am attending 2^nd grade at school. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, drawing, playing dolls and jumping rope.  My favorite food is spaghetti and chicken. I love the colors yellow and pink. I love dogs. Thanks to God, I am in good health and so is my family. My father is Jaime Eduardo Chan Vasquez, and he struggles to support our family by working as a bakery. My mother is Irlanda Nohemy Castillo Garcia, and she does her best by working as a domestic employee. I have one sister and one brother but they do not attend the feeding program. We do not attend any church.

I live in a rented house made of block, concrete roof and ceramic floor. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen with running water and electricity. My parents pay for rent including services Q. 1800.00 quetzals ($ 240.00) per month. Our main needs at the moment are a bed and groceries. I have a dog as a pet. It takes me about 20-25 minutes walking from my house to the feeding program. I say goodbye and hope to hear from you soon.

Warm hugs,

Bianca Nohemy Chan Castillo

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary