COVID-19 Relief
Guatemala recorded its first case of COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, setting in motion a chain of events that devastated communities already living in extreme poverty. In an effort to stop the spread, the Guatemalan government imposed strict entry bans, curfews, and lockdowns. Tourism, trade, and once bustling communities came to a standstill. Families who were already living on less than a dollar a day were left with no income, no support and no lifeline. The stories we heard from our social workers were heartbreaking as families struggled to survive.
In response, Worthy Village had to find creative ways to deliver critical lifesaving support. This was not the first time Worthy Village had to rapidly respond to a sudden crisis. In the wake of the 2018 eruption of Mt. Fuego, we worked with our partners to deliver targeted aid to those most in need. COVID-19 was no different.
Our team of indigenous maya social workers and medical experts was able to adapt to the rapidly evolving situation on the ground in real time. Partnering with local officials and NGOs, Worthy Village offered aid to isolated communities in a safe and healthy way. As one of the only NGOs working in these isolated locations, Worthy Village was a crucial lifeline for those without support or income. Through mobile units, our team administered social services and comprehensive COVID-19 education and hygiene supplies. The Worthy Village clinic provided vital medical services to the community with PPE and COVID-19 testing protocols.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Worthy Village was able to continue supporting families enrolled in our sponsorship program, while also providing aid packages to hundreds of additional families suddenly thrown into deep need by the pandemic.
This pandemic has worsened inequality and poverty in many communities. But it has also shown us the depth of the compassion in the Worthy Village community. With volunteer trips canceled and revenue sources diminished, the kindness and generosity of people like you is what allowedWorthy Village to continue serving the most vulnerable families in Guatemala. As these communities work to recover, Worthy Village remains committed to its emergency response efforts, which are driven by local expertise and rooted in grassroots partnerships.