ORPHANAGES IN GUATEMALA

what is the problem and how to help

WHAT IS WRONG?
The Guatemalan government does not support
orphanages in our country, a study by Enrique
Maldonado and posted by “Changing The Way
We Care” reports that “the Guatemalan
government does not invest even 1.0% of its
budget in the care, shelter, or special
protection of its children” (Maldonado 12).

Over the years, their designated budget for

orphanages has increased but remains minimal.

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

In addition to this, an article in a

magazine posted by CINDE,
argues that “staying in
[orphanages] does not guarantee
a decent quality of life” (Bolaños
and Romero).

HOW TO HELP?

“Guide to Donating Noncash

Items” an article posted by
Charity Navigator suggests that It is essential that you have a
before donating non-cash items lot of background knowledge
you should “Determine whether about the organization you plan
or not the items you wish to to donate to (Artemis Impact).
donate are useful” (“Guide to
Donating Noncash Items”).

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE CHILDREN?

Helping children in orphanages by making cash or non-cash donations
will impact their lives in many different ways. They'll have access to
things they didn't have before, which will help them grow up to be
healthy, responsible adults who will contribute rather than take from
the community they live in.

BY GABRIELA SALVADOR

Maldonado, Enrique. Revisión del gasto público asociado al cuidado de la niñez y adolescencia en Guatemala, Changing The
Way We Care, July 2020, https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/2021-
03/58.12_ES_PublicExpenditureGuatemala_Final.pdf.
Bolaños, Dayana, and Hugo Romero. Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de niños y adolescentes que viven en un hogar
temporal, CINDE, 31 Aug. 2018, www.redalyc.org/journal/773/77361136006/html/
Guide to Donating Noncash Items, Charity Navigator, 2022, www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=335.