My Story

Tunaja is a very primitive area of the state of Quiche, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiche Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayan dialect - Quiche. The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system. Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it. Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area. Life in Tunaja is extremely difficult.

My full name is Fredy Ivan Quino Coj and I was born in Joyabaj, Quiche on September 13, 2018. I am 7 years old and I am not studying yet because I do not want. My pastime is to play soccer and tag. I love black and monkeys. My favorite meal is fried chicken. I have two brothers and one sister. I am happy because I am attending the Feeding Center and I walk for one hour together with some neighbors that are registered. Thankfully, my family and I are in good health. Unfortunately, we are not attending any church. I am living under my parents’ care. My father`s name is Rigoberto Quino Cux and my mother`s name is Elvia Coj Hernandez and both of them are earning a living by working as farmers and day laborers in order to support us financially. In addition, as a family we travel to the coast from November to January to pick coffee beans in order to earn extra money, but sometimes it is not enough to cover every home expense. We are a humble family and our current needs are groceries and clothing.

We live in my mother`s house. We have two rooms and a separated kitchen made of tin sheets. The rooms are made of adobe walls, tin sheet roofs and cemented floors. We get water from an artisanal well and a neighbor provides us with electricity by an electrical extension. My father shares the monthly payment with the neighbor. We would like to have some chicks at home and thankfully we have space in the house.  May God bless you greatly and thank you for your attention. My best wishes are for you. In Jesus’ love!

Strong hugs,

Fredy Ivan Quino Coj

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua