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.

I greet you in the name of Jesus hoping you are doing well! My name is Kenny Adriel Rojas Arias. I was born on May 4, 2017 and I am 8 years old. I live with my mother, two brothers and one sister. It is a great joy in my heart to say that my family and I are healthy. Nelly Marissel Arias Alvarez is my mother. She works as an auxiliary assistant in a fast-food restaurant. She is struggling to provide for all our needs since my father is not at home. She is working extra hours to earn more income. Gerson Daniel Rojas Barrios is my father. Unfortunately, he went to prison a month ago due to a misunderstanding. We are praying that this situation can be cleared up and my father can return home very soon. My mom has looked for legal help for my father. My father used to work as a messenger.

I am a third-grade student this year. When I am at home, I enjoy playing football, loteria and memory games and riding bicycle. The animal I like the most is the dog, and I love the color blue. At the moment, we are not attending any church. We are living in a rented room and the monthly payment is Q720.00 = $96.00. It is a concrete block room and a cement floor. There is running water and electricity; my mom pays for them when she pays the rent. We have a female dog as a pet. For now, our greatest needs are groceries and shoes. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be enrolled in the feeding program. I walk about 20 minutes to arrive. This is all for now but feel free to ask for more information about me. Every blessing for you!

Lots of love,

Kenny Adriel Rojas Arias

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