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Guatemala, a country nestled in the heart of Central America, captivates visitors with its enchanting natural beauty and profound cultural significance. From the lush green highlands to the sprawling rainforests and pristine lakes, Guatemala's landscapes are a testament to the country's diverse ecosystems and breathtaking biodiversity. Majestic volcanoes punctuate the skyline, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.

Guatemala's rich Indigenous heritage is deeply ingrained in its culture, celebrated through vibrant traditions, colorful textiles and intricate handicrafts. Ancient Maya ruins, such as Tikal and El Mirador, stand as monumental reminders of a once-expansive civilization, offering glimpses into the mysteries of the past.

The warmth and hospitality of the Guatemalan people further enrich the nation as they embrace visitors with open arms, sharing their customs, folklore and delectable cuisine. Guatemala is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural treasures, a place where nature and history converge to create an unforgettable journey of exploration.

Sadly, Guatemala’s wonderful potential is dampened by pervasive poverty that weighs heavily on the lives and prospects of children and families.

But child sponsorship offers a beacon of hope that can help break the cycle of poverty!

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Please call us at 800-336-7676, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT, to speak with a Compassion representative.

Start Sponsoring a Child in Guatemala Today!

Your tax-deductible contribution of just $43 a month connects a child living in poverty with a loving, church-based Child Sponsorship Program.

Your support provides:

  • Medical checkups, which often save lives
  • Nutritious food
  • Health and hygiene training
  • Educational assistance
  • Access to special services like surgeries and disaster relief
  • Mentoring to help children discover their incredible value as God’s children
  • Most important of all, your sponsored child will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God. Just imagine how exciting it will be when one day you get to heaven and your sponsored child is there with you because you chose to sponsor him or her.

When you sponsor a child in Guatemala, you'll receive your child's photo, personal story and a child sponsorship packet by mail in approximately 10 days.

When children in Guatemala find out they've been sponsored, the joy they feel is indescribable. Just knowing that someone across the globe cares means more than you can imagine. Sponsoring a child in need will profoundly change the future for your child, and will change your own life as well.

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Sponsor a Child in Guatemala

Learn more about how child sponsorship helps.

Guatemala faces significant challenges because of poverty. Here are a few key statistics that show how poverty is affecting many who live in the country:

  1. Poverty Rate: According to data from the World Bank, in 2019 59.3% of Guatemalans lived in poverty. This means that over half of the population in Guatemala struggles to meet their basic needs.
  2. Extreme Poverty: In 2019, approximately 23.4% of the population lived in extreme poverty, unable to afford even the most essential resources and services.
  3. Rural-Urban Disparity: Poverty is more prevalent in rural areas of Guatemala than in urban centers. Many rural communities struggle to access education, health care and employment opportunities, exacerbating the cycle of poverty.
  4. Indigenous Populations in Poverty: Guatemala has a significant Indigenous population, and poverty disproportionately affects these Indigenous communities. Discrimination, limited access to resources and historical marginalization contribute to higher poverty rates among Indigenous peoples.
  5. Malnutrition: Guatemala struggles with high rates of malnutrition, particularly among children. According to UNICEF, around 46% of Guatemalan children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, which can have long-lasting, harmful effects on their health and development.
  6. Gender Inequality: Women face higher rates of poverty and often struggle to access education, health care and other economic opportunities.

By addressing poverty, Guatemala can unlock the full potential of its population, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development. Tackling poverty can contribute to social cohesion, stability and a more inclusive society, which are essential elements for the long-term prosperity of the country.

Will you help break the cycle of poverty by sponsoring a child in Guatemala today?

Child Sponsorship Through a Christ-centered, Church-based and Holistic Child Development Lens 

By being Christ-centered, church-driven and child-focused, we have created a comprehensive and effective model for child sponsorship. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also equips children with the tools and resources they need for long-term success and transformation. 

  • Holistic Child Development: We believe in caring for and developing every part of a child. Beyond addressing their immediate physical needs, our program focuses on nurturing their emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. By providing access to education, health care and safe environments, and by introducing them to the love of God, we ensure that sponsored children receive comprehensive support to thrive and reach their full potential.
  • Local Church Partnerships: We work in partnership with local churches in communities around the world. These churches serve as a vital support system, providing safe and nurturing environments for children. Local church staff and volunteers deliver programs and services that cater to the unique needs of each child in their community, enabling sustainable and long-term impact. 
  • Christ-centered Focus: Our approach to poverty alleviation through child sponsorship is rooted in Christ’s life and teachings. We believe in the transformational power of faith and strive to nurture the spiritual development of sponsored children. Through local church partnerships, children receive spiritual guidance, participate in discipleship programs and learn about God's love and purpose for their lives. This holistic approach seeks to equip children not only for a better future but also for a life built on a relationship with Jesus. 

By sponsoring a Guatemalan child with Compassion International, you become a life-changer, empowering a child to break free from the cycle of poverty, pursue education, receive health care and develop their God-given potential. Through our proven and distinctive model for child sponsorship, you have the incredible opportunity to offer powerful encouragement, love and support as the child journeys through life. 

Take action today and become a beacon of hope in a child's life: Sponsor a child in Guatemala and help break the cycle of poverty. Together, we can transform lives and build a world where every child thrives. Take the first step now and change a life forever.

How You Help Change a Life When You Sponsor a Child in Guatemala Through Compassion International Today

With a monthly sponsorship of just $43, you can provide a Guatemalan child with the following crucial support:

  1. Malnutrition monitoring and intervention: Children living in poverty often lack access to nutritious food, which can lead to malnutrition and its associated health issues. Regular monitoring and intervention programs help identify and address malnutrition early on, ensuring that children receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
  2. Medical care and regular checkups: Children in poverty in Guatemala face various health challenges due to inadequate living conditions, limited access to health care and exposure to unsanitary environments. Providing medical care and regular checkups is crucial for addressing immediate health issues, preventing the spread of diseases and promoting overall well-being among these children.
  3. Individual mentoring and love: Children living in poverty often face social and emotional challenges because of their difficult circumstances and limited support systems. But local church staff members know and love each child, and this supportive community provides them with positive role models, emotional support and guidance, which can help build their self-esteem, resilience and social skills.
  4. Education assistance and skills training: Access to quality education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty for Guatemalan children. Providing educational assistance, such as school supplies, tuition support and scholarships, ensures that children have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that can empower them to improve their circumstances in the long term.
  5. Encouraging words and support from you, their sponsor: Children in poverty often face discouragement and feelings of hopelessness. Encouraging words and support from sponsors can have a significant impact on their self-esteem and motivation. By providing positive affirmation, emotional support and a sense of belonging, sponsors can inspire and empower these children to strive for a better future.
  6. An introduction to the love of God: Our local church partners faithfully model Christ’s love and share the gospel, giving children the opportunity to know Christ as their Savior, hope and anchor in the midst of their difficult circumstances.

Together, these focuses address the most critical needs for children living in poverty in Guatemala, caring for them physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. By offering these resources and supports, sponsorship empowers them to overcome challenges, break the chains of poverty and develop into their God-given potential.