A UNICEF Success Story From Guatemala

Of Guatemala’s 13 million people, 22 percent live in extreme poverty in rural areas and many lack access to safe water sources and are unaware of proper sanitation techniques. Young children are very vulnerable to waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, and the simple habit of washing hands with soap could halve the number of child deaths due to diarrhea each year. Teaching children simple, healthy habits and the importance of proper hygiene at an early age can prevent illness or death and improve their quality of life.

Thanks to the support of Tap Project donors like you, UNICEF is working in cooperation with local governments and communities in the highland and coastal areas of the country to improve the water supply and sanitation facilities at 50 primary schools. In addition to these activities, a related education and awareness campaign will ensure that this work continues to have lasting effects on the 50,000 primary school children and 15,000 men and women in these communities. These programs will empower children, teachers and community leaders to be advocates for the promotion and conservation of safe water and proper sanitation habits, as well as pave the way to healthier lives.