Javier and Aura are from El Caiman, neighborhood of Santa Lucia Milpas Altas, a small community 9 kilometers from La Antigua Guatemala. Santa Lucia produces different kind of vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, zuchini, etc) to export. Javier works for a local farm as a driver in the morning. In the afternoon he works as a mechanic. Their incom is very low. Aura, the mother stays at home taking care of little Abdiel and helping their children Gaudy and Oscar with homework. They are students in a local school. Gaudy wants to be a secretary, Oscar’s dream is to
become a dentist.

This family lives in a big room made of metal zinc pieces. Beds are old. To have some space for the kitchen, Javier divided this room with pieces of wood and zinc. Aura cooks in a wood stove . Gas is very expensive for them. The bathroom is outside the house. Weather in Santa Lucia is cold. SUMAR, a local company helps the community, exports vegetables and give opportunities of development to many families. SUMAR is our partner in the area.
“We want a blok house, a real house. It’s cold here. When it rains, water come into the house. We need more space and privacy” Oscar said.