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 Lucia Alejandra Parada Gutierrez. I was born on June 30, 2015, in Guatemala City. I am 10 years old and I am a healthy girl. I am a fourth-grade student this year. I like to play some games in a cellphone, drawing and playing football. I love the color purple, and the animal I like the most is the cat. I love eating pizza. I have two brothers and one sister. I am very happy to be registered in the feeding program; I attend alongside my siblings and we get there by walking in 20 minutes. We are so thankful for the opportunity to be part of the program. By the grace of God, my family is healthy. We do not attend any church.

My father´s name is Erick Alexander Parada Grajeda. He works in a gas station in Chimaltenango Department. It is far away from home, and fortunately, he sends us financial support. My mother´s name is Alejandra Gabriela Gutierrez Carmona. She is a street vendor and sells underwear in Chimaltenango´s market in the mornings. While she goes to work, my grandpa and his partner take care of my siblings and me. My mother picks us up in the afternoon. My parents got separated four years ago due to marital problems; nevertheless, both struggle to provide for my siblings and me. We are living in a rented house and the monthly payment is Q900.00 = $120.00, including the water and electricity services. There are two rooms with a separate kitchen. It is a house made of concrete block with cement roof and a ceramic floor. As a family, our essential needs are groceries. This is all for now. May our Lord bless you wherever you go!

Lots of hugs,

Lucia Alejandra Parada Gutierrez

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