Guatemala

Guatemala is emerging from many years of civil war in which thousands of people lost their lives, and schools, health facilities, homes and entire communities were destroyed. Peace Accords signed at the end of 1996 have paved the way for a more peaceful, democratic and just society which recognises the basic rights of the majority of the population - the indigenous people, who are the poorest in the country.

In Guatemala illiteracy, infant mortality and malnutrition are among the highest in the Americas. Life expectancy is among the lowest and the country is one of the most violent in Latin America.

ActionAid in Guatemala
ActionAid began operations in Guatemala in 1996.  Our projects help indigenous people access essential services, such as health and education. 

We lobby the government and other decision-makers for changes to the policies and practices that affect Mayan life.  And we work through local organisations to ensure that change is appropriate and long lasting.

Key focus areas are health, education, water and livelihoods.  An important element of every project is helping communities to organise groups and to plan and implement their own development projects.

ActionAid is supporting communities in the aftermath of hurricane Stan in 2005. In particular we are concentrating our efforts on providing assistance for the indigenous communities who were particularly hard hit.

photo : ©ActionAid