My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  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 Tunajá is extremely difficult.

It is my pleasure to greet you by this means. Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Sofia Daniela Gonzalez Chingo. I am 3 years old. I am too young to attend school. I was born on March 17, 2023, in Zacualpa Quiche. I enjoy playing soccer. My favorite color is pink. I like sheep. My favorite dish is chicken soup. Thankfully, I am a healthy child. I live 15 minutes from the feeding program. For that reason, my mother takes me to the program. I have one brother and one sister.

My parents are Jose Gonzales Simaj and Gloria Virginia Chingo Jimon. My mother is a housewife and raises chickens for our consumption. On the other hand, my father sustains our family by working as day laborer. They are in good health too. We attend the Catholic Church. Some of our needs as a family are groceries and corn.

My mother owns the house where we live. It is made of block, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. It has two rooms and one kitchen. There is running water and electricity that my parents pay annually and monthly. Our domestic animals are chickens and one pig. Well, let me thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you again.

Many hugs and blessings,

Sofia Daniela Gonzalez Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua