Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango
is located
high in the mountainous belt that crosses central Guatemala.
The city is known locally as Xela (pronounced shay-la) and
is home to one of the largest urban populations of the republic. It
is a complex mix of colonial architecture and modern concrete dwellings
which sprawl outwards to meet the surrounding
hills. In a country where more than half the people live in poverty,
many families in Quetzaltenango struggle on very low incomes. Children take
on responsibilities very early in their lives, supporting their younger
siblings and parents at the expense of their own education and personal
development.
Social Situation:
Guatemala is full of colour. The indigenous textiles, busy markets and festivals all stand out to visitors. But the people here have lived through years of internal conflict and injustice. Behind the warmth and colour, there lies a society that is still trying to come to terms with its history. In Quetzaltenango, like most places, the evidence that many aspects of society have been "broken" is plain to see. The city's inhabitants work hard to make life better for their children but it is an uphill struggle.
People are increasingly lending their voices to concerns about justice and the needs of the population as a whole. What is perhaps most apparent, is the potential for change latent in people's hopes for a better future. All that is needed is opportunity. This is something that each one of us can help to give. The Trust aims to help create opportunities, be they educational, social or domestic through the provision of childcare services to support local families.
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| See a view of Xela from 10 miles up! Click here. |