My Story

Tunaja is a small area of the state of Quiché, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiché Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayani dialect - Quiché. The people are either farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Very little money ever changes hands as they use a barter system. Public education is available - however, most families cannot afford it. Electricity and running water are not available in most of the area. Life in Tunaja is difficult.

Hello! I am Cesar Agusto. I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche in 2014. I turned 9 years old in May 22. Unfortunately, I am repeating 1^st grade this year. My favorite color is yellow. I like rabbits and enjoy playing football in my free time. My favorite dish is beef soup. I only have two brothers and no sisters. My brother Edgar Manuel and I are register in the feeding program. We always walk for 20 minutes to go to the program.

My parents´ names are Domingo Morente Calachij and Micaela Ajqui Portugez. My father sadly passed away 5 years ago. My mother is the only one who supports us. She has to travel to Escuintla far which is away from Tunaja. She is working there in a tortilla shop. For that reason, she left us under the care of my grandmother. Her name is Francisca Portuguez Morente and is 62 years old. She does not work out of home. She just takes care of us and does the household chores.

We live in our own house. The house has one room and a separate kitchen. It is made of wood and adobe walls, dirt floor and tin sheet roof. My grandmother pays the electricity. She shares the service with one neighbor, so he gives her half of the payment. There is also running water that she pays monthly. Our family is in need of groceries but mainly corn. Thank you for letting me share with you about my family and me. My grandmother provided all the information to the LW teacher. Thank you for being interested in reading this. I send you many hugs and best wishes. May God bless you abundantly!

Best regards from now on,

Cesar Agusto Morente Ajqui

Translated by: Mireya de Sadoval, AAC Secretary / Antigua