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, this is Amilcar Danilo Chingo. I am so happy to greet you today, hoping you are well. Let me introduce myself to you. I am 7 years old. I was born on August 23, 2018. I am in kindergarten at school and my favorite color is red. I love eating rice and beans. I like giraffes. My hobbies are playing soccer and toy cars. I like attending the feeding program and I usually walk for 15 minutes along with my mom to get there. After school, my mother takes me to her work so that I will not be alone.

My mother is Julia Chingo Morente. She struggles to support our family by working as a maid. Besides that, she cooks for others in several houses. Sadly, we do not know anything about my biological father because he abandoned my mom before I was born. I only have one sister. As a family, we attend the Prince of Peace Church. Praise God, all my family is in good health.

Thank God, we live in our own house. It belongs to my mother. There are two rooms and a separate kitchen. We share it with my maternal grandmother, uncles and cousins. It is made of adobe, tile roof and cemented floor. There is running water and electricity. My mom shares the services expenses with my other relatives. Our domestic animals are chickens. Our greatest needs are corn, food and clothes. Well, I send you my love and best wishes to you. Until next time!

Best regards,

Amilcar Danilo Chingo

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua