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.

Hello! My name is Briyit Daniela Benavente Vallejo. I was born on June 29, 2019, in Guatemala City. I am 6 years old. I was registered in kindergarten this year, but due to my accident, I stopped attending school, and did not return until August 25. I like to play with my dolls, color and watch TV. I love the color purple, and my favorite animal is the dog. I love eating Chinese rice. I have only one brother. I am very happy to be registered in the feeding program; I attend alongside my brother and we get there by walking in 20 minutes. My parents are in good health. I want to tell you that, unfortunately, I fell and hurt my right elbow, and I was wearing a support to protect it. I received care at the hospital, and thanks to God, during my last appointment, the doctors told me that my elbow is recovering very well. It made me so happy because I could attend school again. My brother Joan David is having health issues and receives medical care at the public hospital; he is waiting for a surgery. Please, keep us in your prayers.

My father´s name is Pablo Jededias Benavente Boche. He works as a street vendor; he sells desserts like “rellenitos, mole and tamalitos”. My mother´s name is Darlyn Enriqueta Vallejo Lopez. She works in the maintenance area in a construction company. Fortunately, my parents support each other to take our family ahead. We do not attend any church for now. The house in which we live belongs to my maternal grandmother. We share the house with my grandparents and uncles. It is a concrete block house with cement roof and a cement floor. There are six rooms with a separated kitchen; we use two rooms. We have running water and electricity; my parents and relatives contribute to pay for those services every month. Our greatest need is to get another bed because we have only one where the whole family sleeps. I say goodbye to you for now hoping to hear news from you soon. Many and abundant blessings for you!

Warm hugs,

Briyit Daniela Benavente Vallejo

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala