Meet María Fernanda in Guatemala | Children International | Child Sponsorship in Africa, India, South America, & USA

About me & my family

Name: María Fernanda
Avg Family Income in Community: $185.00
Gender: Female
Age: 9
Personality: Serious, Creative
Interests: , Doing general housework, Listening to music
Siblings:
Lidia Esmeralda, 12, Female
Abdiel Saúl, 5, Female
Lives with: Parents
Language: Spanish
School: Yes
Child ID #: 1994343

Learn more about education in this child's country.

About my house

Walls: Solid materials
Roof: Metal, cloth, cardboard, or plastic scraps
Floor: Tiling
Water source: Well
Level of Overcrowding: Adequate privacy
Access to Internet: Occasional
Access to Telephone: Occasional

Learn more about homes in this child's country.

Learn more about water in this child's country.

Poverty in Guatemala

Children growing up in poverty in Guatemala face serious barriers that can limit their opportunities — including unsafe environments, disrupted education, physical and mental health challenges, and few pathways to meaningful work. 

That’s why our approach provides the guidance, belonging and practical support young people need to thrive – from developing life skills and emotional well-being in childhood to gaining career training and meaningful employment as young adults. Through programs led by trained leaders, children and youth develop self-assurance, resilience, and a solid foundation to grow into healthy, capable young adults who can shape their own futures. 

How does child sponsorship work?

Your monthly $39 gift gives kids like María Fernanda access to life-changing benefits, like:

Access to physical and mental health services
Educational assistance
Leadership training, music, arts and sports
Job readiness and placement services
Safe community spaces with trusted mentors

More about child sponsorship:

+ When you sponsor, what do you receive? Click to find out.

When you sponsor, we'll send you more info about your child, including a photo and a quick-start guide to child sponsorship. You'll also:

Receive photos and updates about your child on a regular basis.
Receive letters from your child, and many letters will contain pictures drawn by your child.
Have access to MyCI, your online account where you can view photos of your child, learn more about him or her, read and write letters and cards, manage your giving, and join our online community of sponsors.
Be able to visit your child and tour our amazing community centers
Subscribe to receive emails and our Journeys magazine to see your impact in action.

+ Need to make a change? We can help.

You can make changes to your monthly giving anytime. Please contact our Care Team to adjust, delay or cancel. And because we've made a commitment that we'll be a part of our kids' lives until they graduate, your sponsored child will continue to receive benefits from the program, and we will work to find a new sponsor as soon as possible.

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