Duenas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult. 

Hello! My name is Jose Fernando Miguel Ramos Clemente. I want to tell you that I suffer from crossed eyes and convulsions, and I am under a medical treatment for it. Also, I have problems walking, and I receive therapies for this. I was born on January 9, 2017, so I am 9 years old. I am attending school this year, and I am in 1st grade. In my free time, I like coloring. My favorite dish is a typical one called “Estofado”, and I love the color orange. The animal that I like the most is the iguana. My family and I believe in God, and we attend the Catholic Church. I have one brother and three sisters, and two of them are registered at the feeding program too. We walk for 20 minutes to arrive at the program.   

My father’s name is Pablo Ramos, but he does not live with us because he has another family. He supports us financially and comes to visit us every week; he works in a plant nursery. My mother’s name is Raquel Dolores Clemente Soto, and she works as a maid to improve the home income. We live in our own house, and it is made of concrete block and plywood with a tin sheet roof and concrete floor. We share it with one of my brothers and his family. The house has three rooms, and we have running water and electricity. We have 2 cats and 7 dogs as pets. We are a humble family, and our frequent needs are groceries and school supplies. I say goodbye to you for now.    

Warm greetings 

Jose Fernando Miguel Ramos Clemente 

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua