My Story

Tunajá is a very primitive area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  The inhabitants are Quiché Indians who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization.  The prevalent language is the Indian dialect - Quiché.  The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their laborers. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system.  Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it.  Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area.  Life in Tunajá is extremely difficult.

Hello, I am Kevin Ronaldo Grave Coj. I am so happy and excited to share a little about me with you. Let me tell you that I am a healthy boy. I will turn 9 years old on August 10. I was born in Zacualpa in 2016. I am a 2^nd grade student. My hobby is playing soccer. I love eating sausages and black beans. Red is my favorite color. I like cats. I walk for 15 minutes along with my siblings to attend the program. We live in a humble house that my parents own. There are three rooms, and a kitchen made of adobe, tin sheet roof and cemented floor. We get running water from an artisanal well that is in my house. There is electricity that my mother pays monthly. Our domestic animals are chickens and pigs.

Santos Grave Mendez and Magdalena Coj Gomez are my parents. My father does not live with us because he traveled to The United States 7 years ago. He is working there in a dairy. He communicates with us every month and sends money for our support. Nevertheless, he has been separated from my mom for 2 years more or less. My mom oversees the house and takes care of us. Praise God, both are in good health. As a family, we attend church.  Our greatest needs are corn and groceries. Alright, thank you for reading this. I hope you have a wonderful day. May God bless you richly!

Kisses and hugs,

Kevin Ronaldo Grave Coj

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua