My Story

Chuchuca, where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa.  Chuchuca is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major corps. The Quiché Indians who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak an Indian dialect called Quiché - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

I am so happy to introduce myself in this opportunity. My name is Manuel Riz Coj. I was born on August 26^th of 2021, in Chuchuca, Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I recently turned 4 years old. My father´s name is Carlos Riz Calachij. He makes a living as a day laborer in our village. He also goes to work on the coast and he usually stays there for a month. My mother´s name is Isabel Coj Garcia. She does the housework and raises hens and pigs to sell and contribute with the expenses. I have three brothers and two sisters. Thanks to God, we are in good health.

Due to my young age, I am still not attending school. So, I spend my time playing with my toy cars. I love the color purple, and I like hens. I love eating black beans with rice. We are members of the Prince of Peace Church. Thanks to God, my father owns the house in which we live, and my grandparents and cousins are living with us. There are two rooms and a separated kitchen. The house is made of wooden boards with a tin sheets roof and a dirt floor. We get water from a natural spring that belongs to my paternal grandparents and we do not pay for it. We have a solar panel to get light at home. We are a very humble and needy family. Our greatest needs are groceries, corn, clothes and school support. I am excited to be registered in the feeding program and receive the help; I have to walk one hour and a half to arrive. I attend alongside my siblings and my mother accompanies us. I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter. Many and abundant blessings!

Lots of love,

Manuel Riz Coj

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala