Guatemala

Overview

Guatemala's great natural beauty and strong indigenous culture have been overshadowed by decades of civil war, violence, and political corruption, which have led to widespread poverty and limited development.

The country is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters – there are a number of active volcanoes in Guatemala and the nation is positioned on three tectonic plates, causing frequent earthquakes which devastate vulnerable communities.

Social inequality is widespread, particularly in rural and indigenous communities which make up 45 per cent of the population. Indigenous groups are particularly vulnerable and tend to have a lower level of education, unequal access to land and assets, and fewer life opportunities in general. 

Our work in Guatemala

Tearfund has been working in Guatemala since 1976 when the country was hit by a devastating earthquake which killed around 23,000 people.

Today, Tearfund is working with three local organisations and a network of churches in the capital of Guatemala. There is a strong emphasis on supporting marginalised people, indigenous communities, and vulnerable children.

Our work includes: developing community health programmes in indigenous villages; disaster risk reduction; the protection of children following a natural disaster; and advocacy work for the rights of indigenous people.

We also provide pastoral and leadership training, encouraging churches to lead development work in their communities to see every area of people's lives transformed.