START READY’S RISK POOL 4 ADDRESSES DROUGHT IN SAN MIGUEL CHICAJ, BAJA VERAPAZ
During the week of May 18 to 22, we continued striving to strengthen resilience in the communities that are most exposed to drought risk in Baja Verapaz as part of anticipatory actions driven by Start Ready’s Risk Pool 4. This time, we distributed poultry kits (1 drinker, 1 feeder, 3 hens, and 1 rooster), hygiene kits, and family food kits to local households. We distributed these items in the communities of Chupel (benefiting 495 people), Rincón San Pedro (benefiting 730 people), and Los Hernández (benefiting over 394 people), which contributed to improving their livelihood and strengthening food security. Additionally, we held recreational activities for the children to provide them with spaces for creativity and joy.
This intervention was made possible through coordinated efforts between CADENA, member organizations of Hub Guatemala, CARE Guatemala, and ASEDE, with whom we worked together to strengthen community response capacities against the effects of drought.
CAG CADENA SPENDS A DAY AT THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE FOUNDATION
On May 20, CADENA Youth volunteers from the American School of Guatemala visited the Ronald McDonald Foundation’s Home, where they shared an afternoon supporting and connecting with children and their families. Through board games, music, and recreational activities, they brought moments of joy to people navigating extremely challenging situations.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ronald McDonald House Foundation for welcoming us and allowing us to share this experience.
GUATEMALA SHINES AT THE 2026 CADENA INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION WITH THE PROJECT “LIFE GUARD CANE”
On May 24, we participated in the 2026 CADENA Initiative International Competition, a virtual event that brought together young people from 12 countries to present innovative humanitarian projects before a panel of judges. Representing Guatemala, students Griselda Sebastiana Chumil Chumil and Keny Karina Iquilá Morales, from Quiché, presented their project “Life Guard Cane”. This initiative focuses on fire prevention and helping protect older adults in their communities.
During the competition, they detailed the design and implementation process of their proposal, showcasing the talent and social commitment that define Guatemala’s youth. This achievement was made possible thanks to the guidance of Professor Eladio Xirúm Mejía, and reflects our commitment to continuing to foster the development of humanitarian leaders who can transform their communities.
START READY’S RISK POOL 4 ADDRESSES DROUGHT IN SACAPULAS, QUICHÉ
From May 25 to 29, as part of Start Network’s Start Ready Risk Pool 4, we implemented anticipatory drought response actions in Sacapulas, Quiché. This initiative benefited 135 families in the Caserío Xecataloj community and 63 families in Caserío El Jocote. We worked in coordination with CARE Guatemala and ASEDE (members of Hub Guatemala) and with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food. Through this intervention, 198 families received food kits, hygiene kits, and poultry kits (1 drinker, 1 feeder, 3 hens, and 1 rooster), in order to contribute to strengthening the community’s food security and well-being against the impacts of drought.
Furthermore, we promoted initiatives aimed at improving access to safe water. This included the installation of 19 water harvesting, storage, and filtration systems in the upper area of El Jocote, as well as providing water filters for schools in both Xecataloj and El Jocote. We also organized recreational activities for the local children.
