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. Life in Zone 5 is very difficult. Some children live on top of an old rubbish dump in Zone 5 of Guatemala City. It is an extremely dangerous area where criminals, prostitutes and drug addicts live.

Hello! This is Dayra Milena Oxlaj Velasquez and I was born on January 23, 2020. I am a healthy six-year-old girl and I am in kindergarten this year. I like to play with dolls and to color. I love dogs and to eat beef broth, eggs and beans. My favorite color is purple. I have no siblings. I live with my parents at home. My father`s name is Edinson Fideri Oxlaj De Leon and my mother`s name is Darlyn Priscila Velasquez Chavez. My father sustains the family. He earns a living as a moto-taxi driver and my mother sells makeup at home to contribute to the home expenses. At the moment, we are not attending any church. By the grace of God, my parents are in good health.

We live in a rented house and we have three rooms. The walls and roof are made of tin sheet with cemented floor. We have a separated kitchen. We have running water and electricity. My father pays for the services. We are a needy family, so our priority needs are groceries, clothing, shoes and school supplies. We walk for twenty minutes to come to the Feeding Program, and my mother is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful project. Well, I hope you enjoy reading my personal information. Blessings to you!

Warm wishes,

Dayra Milena Oxlaj Velasquez

Translated by: Gladys de Cataví/A-A-C Secretary-Antigua