My Story

Tunaja is a very primitive area of the state of Quiche, Guatemala. The inhabitants are Quiche Mayans who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. The prevalent language is the Mayan dialect - Quiche. 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 extremely difficult.

My full name is Josefa Yesenia Coj Tino. I am 5 years old and I was born on June 23, 2020 in Joyabaj, Quiche. I am not enrolled at school yet due to my young age. I stay at home and I like to play with dolls and cats. My favorite meal is fried chicken and I love pink and cats. I live under my grandmother`s care because my parents are living and working in the United States. My father`s name is Hector Coj Quino and my mother`s name is Maria Elena Tino de la Cruz. My father is earning a living by working as a farmer and my mother works washing plates in a restaurant. Fortunately, they call me every two days and they send money to cover my expenses every month. My grandmother Josefa Tino covers her needs with this money too. Sometimes it is not enough, so we are in need of groceries.  My grandmother accompanies me to the Feeding Center and we walk 20 minutes to arrive there. Unfortunately, we are not attending any church.

I live in my maternal uncle`s house and we share it with my maternal uncles. We have three rooms and one separated kitchen. The walls are made of adobe with a tile roof and cemented floors. My maternal great-grandmother provides us with running water and we use jars to carry it. The older sister of my grandmother shares electricity with us. My grandmother pays them for the services. We have pigs and a dog at home. We would like to have some chicks because we have space in the house for them. I hope you like to read my little story and thank you for your attention. Blessings to you!

Kisses and hugs,

 Josefa Yesenia Coj Tino

Translated by: Gladys Chavez, AAC Secretary-Antigua