Restoring Hope

Many families in Guatemala are still recovering from the devastating effects of a 36 year long civil war in the region. Communities have lost their loved ones, livelihoods, and land. Guatemala's Fondo de Tierras department has been providing those most affected by the war with new land to restore their livelihoods. However, much of that land is devoid of its natural forest and good soil, making even basic agriculture difficult and unsustainable.

 

The community does not have access to transportation or clean water, their homes are made of scrap metal and plastic bags, and the children often have no means to make it to school. With your support, Era is fighting to transform this situation and see the community thriving.

By working with the local families to restore the land they now call theirs, and by implementing sustainable agricultural practices, we are providing them with the first source of income their community has earned in at least 5 years. This opportunity has filled them with hope as they dream to see their new lands productive and their livelihoods restored. Recently, the families have laid out plans to pool their newly Era earned income toward buying a means of transportation, so they can travel to the markets, access health services, and consistantly take their children to school.

 

At the project site, we are planting native forests, native fruit species, and native ground cover vegetables that the families will be able to consume themselves and sell in nearby markets. We are also working with donors willing to provide the community with clean water filters and medical/hygiene supplies.

 

By sponsoring this work you will not only restore these once tropical lands, but you will also pave the way toward lifting a family out of poverty by providing them a sustainable income through the development of life-giving agroforestry.