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 Nelson Adrian Escobar Oscal. My birthdate is February 2, 2016, which makes me 9 years of age now. I am attending 2^nd grade at school this year. I like the lion and my favorite colors are red and yellow. The meals I love the most are pizza, black beans and marinated meat. I enjoy playing football, spinning tops, and marbles. I also like to accompany my mother when she goes to sell. I have only one sister. Our pet is a dog. Thanks to God, my family and I are healthy.

My mother´s name is Devora Janeth Oscal Garcia. She makes a living as a street vendor; she sells cookies, juice, socks, or any item she can sell. My father´s name was Gerson Daniel Escobar Arias. Sadly, he passed away on September 15, 2020. After that, my mother established another relationship with Mr. Jayron Emilio Monterroso Jimenez. He has been living with us and supporting us; he works painting houses to get income. My mother and her partner struggle to supply all our needs; however, we have gone through many difficulties and a lack of food at home. I get on very well with my stepfather, and I affectionately called him dad. We do not attend any church for now.

We do not have our own house, and fortunately, my maternal grandmother has given us a space to live in her house. She is living there alongside my grandfather. There are four concrete block rooms with a tin sheet roof and a cement floor. We use only one room, and my mother cooks inside the room. We have running water and electricity services; my parents contribute to pay for them. We are in need of groceries, a bed and a wardrobe. I am so blessed to be registered in the feeding program, and I must walk 20 minutes to get there. This is all for now, and I would like to hear news from you. Many and abundant blessings for you!

Lots of love,

Nelson Adrian Escobar Oscal

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