Help 10 Child Migrants Return to Guatemala Safely

Dear KIND Friends,

For Colectivo Vida Digna, one of KIND’s local partners working with children through the Guatemalan Child Return and Reintegration Project (GCRRP), it is all about helping returning children discover their strengths and skills. As thousands of children who migrate alone to the U.S. are sent back to Guatemala, KIND and Vida Digna offer them a glimpse of hope.

Such is the case of Santiago,* who migrated from a small village in Quiche. The poverty in his village is severe and Santiago felt discouraged by the lack of job prospects. He attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border twice, was apprehended and taken into custody, and ultimately referred to the GCRRP. Upon his return to Guatemala, he expressed worry and guilt that his family, who was already living in extreme poverty, now had a huge debt to pay to cover his trips to the U.S.

Through the GCRRP, Vida Digna staff visited Santiago’s home and invited him and his parents to attend workshops about Mayan cultural knowledge and skill-building trainings. Here, Santiago and his family began to explore valuable strengths and skills they already possessed that could help them enter the competitive market economy. With the help of special agricultural training and a small loan, Santiago and his family harvested two acres of onions and one acre of green beans that were then sold to a buyer for export.

Thanks to your help, Santiago has gained confidence and can see opportunities at home that are real alternatives to migration. Although challenges remain – his family still lives without running water or electricity-- Santiago is happy that he can contribute to his family’s economy. As he looks to the future, he hopes to find a way to return to school to continue his formal education.

There are so many children like Santiago who, with our help, can plan productive futures at home in Guatemala.  We are very grateful for your support.

Warm regards,

Wendy Ramirez

Project Director

*name changed to protect confidentiality

Dear KIND friends,

More and more unaccompanied child immigrants – numbering in the thousands – are making the dangerous journey alone to the U.S.   For so many of them, the trip ends with apprehension at the border, followed by months in a detention center before being sent back, alone. 

For children who turn to KIND, it is a different story.  We help them return home safely, starting the planning here in the U.S., providing assistance in contacting their family, travel back to their rural communities, and education and vocational training opportunities.

“Elias,” * 17 years old, is one of those children.   Fleeing severe poverty and lack of opportunity in his home town, he set out north, seeking a path to a hopeful future.  However, he was detained in March 2013 by U.S. Border Patrol and after spending almost 6 months in a shelter, his only option was to return to Guatemala. 

KIND’s Social Services Coordinator began working with him before he left the U.S. and referred his case to one of our partner organizations in Guatemala, who contacted Elias’ family.   This month, his parents and grandfather, who had never before left their village, travelled 15 hours by foot and by bus to Guatemala City to welcome Elias home in a tearful reunion.  In addition to providing a meal, lodging and bus fare back home, the partner began discussions about possible vocational training and youth group opportunities to help Elias build a future.

We will visit Elias and his family in the coming weeks to make sure that this smart and resilient child gets a new start.  And we will keep you posted about his progress, and share stories about the other children that we are helping with your support.

Warm regards,

Wendy Ramirez

Project Director

*name changed to protect confidentiality

Links:

• learn more about the project