Guatemala
More than
62,000
children served
More than
210
local partners
Serving since
1976
In Guatemala
Guatemala is a beautiful, multicultural country. However, many families face poverty, and children are at risk from malnutrition. Struggles with discrimination, illiteracy and violence are common. But at the Compassion project, there is hope.
Pray for Guatemala
Pray with us for:
Children and families currently facing challenging circumstances.
Protection over staff and church partners ministering in communities.
New Compassion programmes that are being set up.
Did You Know?
Guatemala is home to Lake Atitlan. At 900 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in all Central America and was created by a volcano many years ago.
Sponsor a child in Guatemala
Child sponsorship with Compassion is a unique opportunity to provide a child with food, clean water, shelter, clothing and medical care.
Official Country Name: Republic of Guatemala
Capital City: Guatemala City
Population: More than 16.8 million
Official Languages: Spanish
Life expectancy: Male 71 years, female 77 years
Population with access to safe drinking water: 56%
Infant mortality rate: 21 deaths / 1,000 live births
Percentage of children under the age of 5 underweight: 12.4%
Adult literacy rate: Male 85%, female 77%
Religion: Approximately 45% are Roman Catholic, 42% are Protestant, 11% are unaffiliated, and 2% are of another/unspecified religion or none. Percentage living on less than $1.90 a day: 8.8%
Percentage living on less than $1.90 a day: 8.8%
Source: CIA World Factbook, International Religious Freedom Report, released in 2021 by the Office of International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State
Providing support in Guatemala
For Marta, the project was a place where her family met Jesus and where her mother, Ofelia, found the support she needed. Marta experienced a whole range of benefits, including the provision of school uniforms and supplies, so she was able to go to school. “The project supported my studies for years, right through high school,” says Marta. She loves to talk about a letter she received from her sponsor, which greatly encouraged her. The letter said, ‘Never give up! Chase every dream you have and give it to God. He will support you to achieve it!’ “Those words gave me the strength I needed in my life,” says Marta. After graduating, Marta stayed at the Compassion project and now tutors students. “I am so thankful to the centre, they gave me everything, and now I am enjoying giving something to the children by being a tutor,” says Marta.