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 glad to greet you from Guatemala. My name is Selvin Eliseo Riz Riz. It is a privilege for me to share my information with you. I am 4 years old. I was born on February 5, 2021. I am not at school yet because I am still young. My health is good thanks to God.  I enjoy playing with toy cars. Green is my favorite color. I like cats. I love eating eggs with rice.  I have four brothers and one sister. I attend the feeding program with my siblings. We walk for 15 minutes to get there. Thank God, my parents own the house where we live. It is a humble house made of adobe, tile roof and cemented floor with three rooms and a kitchen. There is running water and electricity that my parents pay. We have some chickens like domestic animals. We have many needs, but the main ones are food, corn and clothes.

My parents are Juan Riz and Florinda Riz Benito de Riz. I live with them. My father earns a living by farming the land while my mother stays at home and takes care of us. Besides that, she does the hard work at home. Thankfully, they are both in good health. We attend the Prince of Peace Church. I appreciate that you took time to read about me. Thank you so much. Sending my best wishes to you!

Lots of love,

Selvin Eliseo Riz Riz

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua