Mayra lives in the Durazno community with her daughter Karen, who faces the challenges of a condition known as cerebral palsy. The arrival of NPH Guatemala marked a significant turning point in their lives. Thanks to the support program from the NPH Guatemala Community Center, Karen has been able to access specialized therapies, as well as mobility tools like a wheelchair and a standing frame, in addition to having a space where she receives the comprehensive care she needs.
The process has not been easy. To attend therapy sessions twice a week, Mayra has to carry her daughter to take public transportation, but her strength and determination have never weakened. Without stable employment due to the care that Karen requires, Mayra receives support from her family and from NPH, which covers therapies that would otherwise be inaccessible to her.
Breaking Barriers: The Right to Education
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that Karen could exercise her right to education. When NPH Guatemala tried to enroll her in local schools, several rejected her due to a lack of resources and training to cater to children with disabilities. However, with Mayra’s perseverance and the NPH team’s efforts, Karen was finally accepted into the Durazno school. Since then, Karen has opened a path for other children with disabilities in her community.
Despite the initial resistance from the school and infrastructure limitations such as the lack of ramps, her classmates now include her in daily activities. Even the physical education teacher has adapted classes so that Karen can participate from her wheelchair. Thanks to training workshops organized by NPH, teachers have learned how to better support Karen and other students with special needs, thus promoting inclusion for people with disabilities.
One of the main tasks of the Community Center is to bring services directly to the community, creating an inter-institutional network. In this network, NPH Guatemala collaborates with the municipal disability office in Chimaltenango, where the Community Center is located. Currently, it is the only facility offering these social services in Chimaltenango.
A Bright Future for Karen and Other Children
Karen is a pioneer in her community. Her example has not only inspired her peers and teachers but is also helping to raise awareness for other children with disabilities in Durazno. Every day, Karen attends school with a smile, supported by her mother, who has been trained as a shadow teacher to accompany her in learning. The acceptance that Karen now experiences is a triumph for herself, her family, and the entire community.
NPH Guatemala, in partnership with institutions like San Pablo II Hospital, ensures that children like Karen receive specialized medical care—something crucial in a country where these services are costly and difficult to access.
The work done by NPH Guatemala has been key for Karen and other children with disabilities to enjoy their rights to education and a dignified life. However, there is still much work to be done. Social and economic barriers remain a challenge, and more children need our support every day.
Benilda, the social worker at NPH, hopes that Karen’s example will encourage other families in the community to bring out their children with disabilities since many times they are hidden; that Karen will be the impetus and example for more children to exercise their rights.
If you have been moved by Karen’s story, we invite you to be part of this change. Your donation can support the NPH Guatemala Family Community Center where over 500 children and young people are cared for; you can make a difference in many families’ lives. Together we can continue building a more inclusive future for everyone.
Promoting Inclusion for People with Disabilities
The work carried out by NPH Guatemala is fundamental in promoting inclusion for people with disabilities across all social aspects. By ensuring that children like Karen have access to appropriate education and specialized medical care, barriers that have historically limited their opportunities are being dismantled. Inclusion benefits not only children with disabilities but also strengthens the entire community by fostering an environment where everyone is valued and included.
The story of Mayra and Karen serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact community support can have on the lives of people with disabilities. As more families join efforts to include their children in educational and social activities, we move closer toward a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Advancing Inclusion for People with Disabilities in Guatemala
As we empower children like Karen, it is crucial to recognize the broader context of disability inclusion in Guatemala. Despite efforts by organizations like NPH Guatemala, numerous challenges remain that must be addressed to ensure that all people with disabilities have access to their basic rights and live dignified lives. In Guatemala, approximately 10% of the population lives with some form of disability and many face significant barriers daily—from lack of access to educational services to discrimination in employment.
The implementation of laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities has been weak; collective efforts are needed to promote their full inclusion in society. For more information about the current situation and rights of people with disabilities in Guatemala, you can visit the site of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which discusses policies and actions necessary for improving disability inclusion in the country. It is imperative that both communities and governments work together to eliminate barriers preventing disability inclusion and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in social, educational, and economic life within the country.