http://www.semillasdeamor.org

Semillas de Esperanza was founded at the beginning of 2005 by the Department of Social Construction Work of the Government of Jocotenango (Departamento de Obras Sociales de la Municipalidad de Jocotenango (DOSMJ)) which works together with Intecap. But it was not until February 14, 2006 that the offices were opened with the help of Mayor, Francisco Javier Fuentes, as well as members from the Honorable Municipal Council. Semillas de Esperanza is located in the Jocotenango Municipal Building, 10 minutes from Antigua by bus.

The main goal and purpose of the project is to offer opportunities to women in different areas and occupations. These opportunities allow the women to start their own businesses, which in turn helps to improve the well being of their family, as well as their community. These opportunities are important especially for women who have little to no formal education and other means to further themselves. Women who participate in the program also receive a bag of food, which feeds their entire family, on a monthly basis.

http://www.lospatojos.org

The program “The Little Ones” was founded on June 5th, 2006 by Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes (the current general director). The program is supported by young Guatemalan educators and professionals who assist with the positive formation and change of the youth of Guatemala. The program also receives economical assistance from Rising Minds. “The Little Ones” is located in Jocotenango, which is located 10 minutes by bus from Antigua.

The aim and goal of “The Little Ones” is to form positive and productive leaders of the community, the society and the country. The project educates and supports boys, girls and youth from poor families, who excel academically, have an adventures spirit, positive and perseverant, and bright character. Additionally, they assist to integrate families with adaptation problems into the community.

Guatemala has a population of approximately 13 million, of which 100,000 could be infected with HIV virus. Ten Guatemalans die every day from AIDS.
In 1962, Father Francis O’Leary founded Hospice International in Pakistan for the sick and terminally ill. In 1989, he started the same type of organization in Guatemala; which was originally located in Guatemala City for six years, then moved to San Lucas Sacatepéquez, and which is now located in Santa Lucia Milpas Altas Sacatepéquez (since November 2006).

Since its beginning, the philosophy of the Hospice Association is to provide love and care to people who are facing their last days of life. They also receive medicine, food and clothing, which are provided for free, as well as spiritual and psychological support. It is important to the organization to provide a home for people where they do not feel discriminated against. The hospice also operates a separate program, which visits about 125 families in their homes. Many of these patients come to the hospice when they are very ill, and later return to their homes when they feel better.