Guatemala is a tropical country located in Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize. Having first been inhabited by the Mayan civilization since the first millennium AD, Guatemala was then colonized by Spain in the 1520s, and ultimately gained its independence in 1821. In the latter half of the 20th century it experienced a tragic 36-year guerrilla war (ending in 1996), which left more than 100,000 people dead and created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.

The country suffers a great divide between rich and poor. According to 2008 estimates, more than 60% of Guatemala’s people live below the poverty line, the country’s GDP per capita is $4,873.607 US (placing it 77th in the world) and only 2.6% of the country’s GDP is spent on education (placing it 154th in the world). The vast majority of Guatemala’s poor are among the Maya and indigenous population whom we seek to serve and help.

In order to help the children living in these dire circumstances and give them hope for a better future, AOJ began its ministry in Guatemala with a food distribution program designed to rescue children whose families were making a living by scouring the central garbage dump in Guatemala City. Then we introduced a sponsorship program to better the lives of children. On top of this, various medical outreaches and clothing distribution programs were introduced. In 2001, the program began providing education to young children, who otherwise would not have gone to school. Now we have grown to a fully accredited elementary school, along with programs in house-building, food distribution and community outreach.

More information: CIA Factbook