Latin America and the Caribbean

Many factors create obstacles to decent housing in Latin America and the Caribbean. One third of the population lives in poverty while 15% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Unsafe work places, lack of education, little or no democracy, natural disasters, and inadequate land exasperate the impoverished conditions. The homes of the poor create slum-like environments. The people are overcrowded without access to clean water. Disease and death spread quickly. Crime, drugs, and general safety continue to create concern for the people of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Although many people have migrated from rural areas to cities in search of opportunity, the inadequate conditions persist. Habitat for Humanity has entered these communities. Since 10 to 15 million households in Latin America and the Caribbean are considered substandard, Habitat tries to alleviate the situation. With the help of volunteers, Habitat has built decent and affordable homes for many families throughout the area and continues their work today.

Country:Guatemala

País: Guatemala

What is your name? Juan Luis
¿Cómo te llamas? Soy Juan Luis

Where are you from? Santa Lucìa Milpas Altas
¿De dònde eres? Soy de Santa Lucìa Milpas Altas

What language do you speak? Spanish
¿Cuál idioma hablas? Hablo Español

Are you a boy or a girl? Boy
¿Eres muchacho o muchacha? Soy muchacho

How old are you? 10 years old
¿Cuántos anos tienes? Tengo diez años

What year are you in school? 5th grade
¿En qué grado estás? Estoy en el 5º (quinto) grado.

What do you do at school? Study language, science, social studies, math and art.
¿Qué haces en la escuela? Estudio el español, las ciencias, la geografía, las matemáticas y el arte.

What religion are you? Catholic
¿A cuál religion te perteneces? Soy Católico

What is your favorite… ¿Cuál es tu… What do you like to do? Play soccer and help my mom.
¿Qué te gusta hacer? A mí me gusta jugar fútbol y ayudar a mi mama.

What does your house look like? There are two rooms plus a kitchen and a patio. There are flowers and a guiskil plant in the patio.
¿Cómo es tú casita? Hay dos cuartos, más una cocina y un patio. En el patio hay flores y un árbol de güisquil.

Who lives with you? My mom, dad, brother, sister and grandmother
¿Con quién vives? Vivo con mi mamá, papá, hermano, hermana y abuelita.

What do you do on an average day?
6:00: Wake-up
7:30: Go to school
12:30 pm: Go home from school
1:00: Eat lunch
2:00: Work in the field with my father
4:00: Play soccer
5:00: Study
6:00: Visit with family and eat dinner

¿Qué haces en un día típica?
6:00: Me levanto
7:30: Salgo para la escuela
12:30 pm: Regreso a casa
1:00: Almuerzo
2:00: Trabajo en el campo con mi papa
4:00: Juego fútbol
5:00: Estudio mis tareas
6:00: Ceno y comparto tiempo con la familia