Our Model
— Josh Chamalé, UNUM Founder
Areas of focus
Mind
We envision a Guatemala where all children have access to high-quality education and focus on instilling knowledge for the purpose of application, transformation, and replication.
The way in which we help is through:
- Teacher training
- Educational tools
- Tutoring programs (Preschool to 6th Grade)
- Leader development programs
- Education around mental health
Body
We envision a Guatemala where all children have access to clean water, nutritious meals, and a safe environment.
This is done through the following programs:
Promotion of Sports
We integrate sports in our projects as a tool to improve social life, as well as a way to grow in relationships with individuals and communities. At the same time, we believe that physical activity can foster an overall improved well-being in individuals that might have poor mental health, such as anxiety disorder, depression, or stress, and even help to prevent it.
Nutrition
Chronic malnutrition has enormous consequences on the lives of children and communities. As part of our work, we give nutritional support to children, giving them one meal a day Monday through Friday, meeting their caloric needs, nourishing them, improving their health, and at the same time fighting against malnutrition.
spirit
We believe that our spiritual journey begins from the moment we begin a personal relationship with God.
Matthew 16:26: “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
John 10:10b: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
The way in which we do this is:
- Bible classes
- Access to discipleship and mentorship
- Community service projects
- VBS
- Home visits
- Partnerships with local churches
Our Projects
DIGNIFIED HOMES
Although it is a basic need, access to decent housing is not a reality for at least 50% of families in Guatemala. Our objective is to attack the causes of sickness in families; in improving the quality of health in their homes, we support the physical and cognitive development of the children. Some of our projects for dignified homes are:
Water Filters
Approximately three million Guatemalans, mostly from rural areas, do not have access to clean drinking water, a reality that sometimes even costs them their life. Children are the most vulnerable, seeing as Guatemala has one of the highest mortality rates worldwide.
Stoves with chimneys
Cooking with open fire inside their homes, where there is no air circulation or ventilation, causes a high concentration of toxic smoke that families inhale.
Beds
Not having a bed where to rest affects their health and causes alterations in behavior.
Animal Pens
Families share spaces with animals; therefore, they are exposed to diseases and dirt transmitted by the animals.
Toilet Construction
It is estimated that, annually, more than 400,000 deaths from diarrhea occur due to diseases caused by poor hygiene habits.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Where we work
Current locations where our projects are being implemented:
- Cruz Blanca, San Juan Sacatepéquez
- Chivoc, San Juan Sacatepéquez
- Jicamapa, Chiquimula
- Los Verdes, Fraijanes
- Paredón, Escuintla
Cruz Blanca,
San Juan Sacatepequez
Chivoc,
San Juan Sacatepequez
Jicamapa,
Chiquimula
Los Verdes,
Fraijanes
Paredón,
Escuintla
