Sofia, 48, smiles warmly as she welcomes us to her home in the lush mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.
Her eyes light up with joy as she says:
I feel very thankful that you are my visitors! It motivates me and emotionally supports me. My reality is very hard. But now I feel more encouraged to face life.
Sofia and her husband, Eduardo, have nine children, four of whom still depend on them, as well as grandchildren they help to raise. Their family life revolves around the land – but climate change is making survival harder than ever.
Read the latest issue of Christian Aid Magazine to explore how communities around the world are standing strong in the face of the adversity -- and how your support is making hope grow.
A crisis before her eyes
Sofia’s community has lived from the land for generations.
But in recent years, she has seen how extreme heat, droughts and storms are harming this once beautiful mountainous region.
Crops like cacao and banana, usually resilient in harsh conditions, are now withering.
Last year, disaster struck when a neighbour’s fire spread out of control. She’ll never forget when soaring temperatures destroyed her crops.
Sofia is at the coalface of the climate crisis. Like many farming women, she’s battling crop failure – which, devastatingly, can lead to hunger and malnutrition.
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The fire was a huge pain in my chest. I had nothing left to provide for my family. It felt like losing a child – you plant something, you take care of it, and then suddenly it had all gone.
A solution in her hands
But thanks to your gifts, actions and prayers, Sofia has hope.
Your support helps people like Sofia to discover the practical solutions that mean they can recover from disaster.
Through our partner, Congcoop, Sofia has accessed tools and training that have seen her build rainwater collection systems, cultivate native seeds, and grow nutritious crops that are more resilient to extreme weather.
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Alongside Aurelia, Sofia’s also been attending chocolate-making workshops. Belonging to this community of farmers and makers has inspired Sofia to sell her products at the local market, earning her an income to support her family.
‘I feel very fortunate to be part of this group,’ says Sofia. ‘I am very hopeful. I have a dream that I want to plant cacao, cinnamon and pepper on my land.
Sofia’s reclaiming her life, land and livelihood. Through her actions, she’s sowing seeds of hope for her children and grandchildren’s futures.
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Standing together
Sofia’s story is one of resistance and resilience. With the right tools, knowledge and solidarity, she is reclaiming her life, her land and her livelihood. She's sowing seeds of hope for her children and grandchildren’s futures.
By giving, acting and praying during Christian Aid Week 2025, you supported women like Sofia and Aurelia to protect their farms and futures.
Thank you for using those seven special days in May to make lasting change possible.
