My Story

Nueva Esperanza, which means New Hope, is located in a slum area of Guatemala City, Guatemala. An extremely poor area, our program is squeezed in among the shanty dwellings built over an old city dump. Many houses in this area are without toilets or running water and are assembled with scrap wood, sheet metal, and cardboard. Zone 5, where Nueva Esperanza is located, is considered one of the most dangerous areas of Guatemala City. It is controlled by gangs and drug pushers. Robberies and murders are common in this area. Public education is available - however, many cannot afford it.

It is my pleasure to greet you and introduce myself! This is Dilan Alexander Flores Garcia. I was born on September 20, 2012. I am a 13-year-old boy. My father´s name was William Alexander Flores Flores, but sadly he passed away in 2024. My mother´s name is Claudia Lissette Garcia Lopez. Unfortunately, she is an alcoholic and abandoned me. Thanks to God, my paternal aunt, Marielena Samayoa. She has been taking care of me since 2024. She loves me so much, and I feel comfortable with her. Although we have gone through difficulties, she struggles to have what I need, including my studies. She makes a living by selling clothes and underwear. By the grace of God, my aunt and I are in good health. I have two brothers and two sisters; three of them are older and one younger; however, they live in another place. The oldest passed away some time ago.

I am in 7th grade this year. I spend my free time playing football, drawing and coloring. The animal I like the most is the cat. I have two favorite colors, green and blue. I love to eat and my favorites meals are pizza and marinated meat. We are living in my grandmother´s house with my grandma, aunt and cousins. There are four rooms and we use one of them. My aunt cooks in my grandma´s kitchen. The house is made of blocks with a tin sheet roof and a cement floor. There is running water and electricity; my relatives contribute to pay for them. We have 3 dogs and 4 cats. The greatest needs are groceries, shoes and school support. I feel so blessed to be enrolled in the feeding program and I walk 10 minutes to arrive. This is all for now, and I would like to hear from you very soon. Many and rich blessings over you!

Lots of love,

Dilan Alexander Flores Garcia

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala