Help 10 Child Migrants Return to Guatemala Safely

Dear KIND friends,

Thanks to supporters like you, 36 Guatemalan youth came together on June 12 to learn how they can—and why they should—work to improve Guatemalan government and society. El Colectivo Vida Digna, KIND’s implementing partner for the Guatemala Child Return and Reintegration Project, coordinated this full day workshop for repatriated migrant children and other youth from their communities.

Guided by an expert in Guatemala’s political system, the young people learned about Guatemala’s social, economic, and political structures. They analyzed Guatemala’s political parties, discussed the importance of voting, and brainstormed how to participate in Guatemala’s democratic system.

The political system is currently a hot topic in Guatemala both because this is an election year, and because of a recent tax scandal. Colectivo Vida Digna chose the workshop topic in order to raise the consciousness of repatriated youth and other youth in their communities about the current political situation in Guatemala, and their political rights as Indigenous youth.

There was such great interest in the topic that some adult family members of the youth also participated in the workshop. The event was the first in a series of workshops that Colectivo Vida Digna will offer to repatriated youth and their families regarding the rights and role of Indigenous peoples in Guatemala’s social, economic, and political systems.

Most repatriated Guatemalan youth live in remote villages far from the Capitol. They do not feel connected to government or political systems. Thanks to donors like you, participants learned how Guatemalan government works and how they and their families can influence government and engage in broader Guatemalan society. On their behalf, we thank you!

Sincerely,

Emily Kephart
Project Coordinator

Dear KIND Friend,

Each Guatemalan child who migrates to the U.S alone, and returns home, tells a unique story. However, the realities they face upon returning to their communities are strikingly common. Children often return to unchanged conditions of extreme poverty and limited opportunities to pursue secondary education or employment. Despite these systemic challenges, the Guatemalan Child Return and Reintegration Project (GCRRP) team is helping returned youth find a brighter future at home. Teaming up with our local NGO partners, we have identified scholarships and education opportunities for many of our participants.

In order to provide comprehensive reintegration support that meets each child’s needs, we have learned that supporting the entire family unit is essential. And this often has a positive ripple effect through the family.

Martin, the oldest son in his family, is a shy, 16 year old boy who returned to San Catarina Ixtahuacan, a Maya K’iche town in Guatemala.  KIND referred him to Colectivo Vida Digna, our local NGO partner, which provided psychosocial support to help him work through his feelings of failure for not having “made it” in the U.S. After an adjustment period, he expressed an interest in learning English. Colectivo Vida Digna team helped him enroll in an English class at INTECAP (a local technical and vocational institute) and is helping him build essential work skills through an internship opportunity.  Martin’s resiliency and eagerness to learn inspires the GCRRP team every day!

This year, Martin’s sister, Alicia, will also benefit from the project, demonstrating its power to help youth at risk of migration, as well as those who have returned.  Alicia, a bright eyed 15 year old, is extremely dedicated to her studies. During every home visit to Martin’s house, we couldn’t help but notice that Alicia was always studying.  Although high school in Guatemala is extremely expensive and unaffordable for many families who live in extreme poverty, she was determined to continue school.  

Through joint outreach to One New Education Foundation, a U.S. based scholarship foundation for girls, KIND and Colectivo Vida Digna helped Alicia obtain a scholarship. Alicia, the first person in her family to attend high school, is thrilled for this opportunity. As her community does not offer a decent high school education, she attends school 1 ½ hours away from her home, commuting every day despite heavy rains. She is determined to complete her high school education with a focus in small business administration.

Alicia is enjoying her studies and both she and Martin stay in constant communication with the project.  Through the generosity of donors like you, not only has Martin received reintegration assistance, his sister has been helped as well, demonstrating the impact of our strategy -- working with Guatemalan youth and their families to help build a better future at home.

Sincerely,

Wendy Ramirez

Project Director

Guatemalan Return and Reintegration Project (GCRRP)