Child Sponsorship background from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

SOS Children's Village Quetzaltenango

In the 1970s, there were many orphaned children who had lost their parents due to the long civil war and, later, the 1976 earthquake. That is why this city was chosen for the second Guatemalan SOS Children's Village. The official opening took place in May 1979.

SOS Children's Village Quetzaltenango consists of twelve family houses, the village director's house, a multi-purpose hall and an administration building. There is also a counselling room for psychologists and classrooms for courses such as sewing, typewriting and woodwork.

Other SOS Projects in Quetzaltenango

In 1985, various SOS Youth Homes for boys and for girls were set up, according to demand. Youths from other Guatemalan SOS Children's Villages also find a home there. At the SOS Youth Homes, youngsters live together under the care of youth supervisors. They continue their education or training and gradually prepare for their future independence.

Background to Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, more commonly known as Xela (shay-la) is the second highest populated of Guatemala, after Guatemala City with around 300,000 people.   This is made up of 65% indigenous or Amerindian, 32% Mestizo or ladino, and 3% European.  It is both the capital of Quetzaltenango Department and the municipal seat of Quetzaltenango municipality. Quetzaltenango is located in a mountain valley at an altitude of 2,333 meters (7,655 ft) above sea level and 200km from Guatemala City.  It is the based in the fertile agricultural region of the western part of Guatemala.