Project - Guatamala
Summary
Guatemala, located in Central America has a population of 12.3 million. Life expectancy is 69 years. More than 60% of Guatemalans live in rural areas. The literacy rate is 69% and 95% have access to safe water. The average annual income is US$2,130. We support programs and sponsor children in the Cotz ij ya area development project.
The Need
· 75% of Guatemalans live below the poverty line.
· Agriculture accounts for about 22.5% of the gross national product and 50% of the labor force.
· Severe ecological damage from deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution has affected crop production.
· A decade-long civil war, political instability and unfavorable weather conditions have seriously undermined a deteriorating economy and food security.
· Health care is inadequate and many children are not immunized and therefore suffer from preventable diseases such as whooping cough and polio. Some 75,000 children have been identified as serverely malnourished.
· Many children are forced to enter the labor market.
· Acquiring an education is difficult as 60% of the school age population live in rural areas, but only 24.5% of the schools are there.
· Domestic violence has resulted in nearly two-thirds of female homicides. Sexual abuse and incest affect 30% of girls and 18% of boys.
Programs
Cotz ij ya ADP
· We improve the conditions of women and children living in poverty by providing micro-enterprise loans and income generating opportunities to increase self-sufficiency and promote economic independence.
· We work with AGUDESA, the agency responsible for the microfinance funding our chapter supports in Guatemala. The agency creates budget, provide entrepreneurship training and support, and raises money for sustainable business development.
· 72% of loans go to women who have the least access but with a high (95%) payback rate.
· Christian values are taught in these training programs resulting in the fulfillment of obligations and strengthening of community values.