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About Guatemala... Guatemala is located in Central America. It is a beautiful land that primarily produces sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, and beans. The population of Guatemala consists of about 40% indigenous (Mayan), and 60% being mixed European and Mayan descent (called Ladinos). The primary language in Guatemala is Spanish. However, Mayans speak Amerindian languages (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages). Mayan women usually spend the day cooking over a wood fire, washing clothes in a river or lake, and caring for their children, all without any appliances. Mayan men face a lifetime of hardship and labor. Usually no one in the family has money or access to see a doctor, a dentist, or a professional of any kind. More often than not, very basic needs such as shelter, food, and clean water are not met. Most the indigenous people live in small mud brick homes, with a roof of tin sheeting and floors of mud or cement. If they have a bed, often the entire family sleeps in it. A week's earnings may be as low as $10 USD. The family's diet often consists mostly of beans and tortillas; sometimes just tortillas and salt. And, sometimes they do not have any food to eat. The Guatemalan government does little to nothing to assist the indigenous people by way of education, shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, etc. More than one third of Guatemalans are Protestant, chiefly Evangelicals and Pentecostals. Protestantism and traditional Mayan religions are also practiced. It is common for traditional Mayan practices to be incorporated into Christian ceremonies and worship, a phenomenon known as syncretism. The practice of traditional Mayan religion is increasing as a result of the cultural protections established under the peace accords. Much of this impoverished population is illiterate. The importance of Mayan's learning to read and write is profound. Specifically, it is important for them to learn Spanish so that they can function in their own country and not suffer from discrimination. Education is the best opportunity the Mayan's have to end the cycle of poverty. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a typical kitchen in rural Guatemala. Some families cook on the ground. Beautiful children... Here is a mud brick building. Here is the inside of a home made of wood planks and tin roofing. Thee is not much protection from the outside elements. |
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