"Despite the difficulties, boys and girls of the Ixil area have many hopes and dreams for their present and future, but the natural phenomena that derive from pollution threaten the lives of children" were the first words of Dulce, 10 years old, a girl from the Ixil area of the department of Quiché, who traveled to Guatemala City to participate in the First Parliament of the Girl as a spokesperson for Save the Children's global campaign, Generation Hope.

This activity took place on October 17, as part of the International Day of the Girl celebration, where more than 80 girls from 18 departments of the country participated, while having the opportunity to place at the center of the conversation of the decision-makers decision and civil society organizations, their rights as girls and adolescents.

Caterin, 10 years old, from the municipality of Nebaj, Quiché, mentioned:

"These types of activities are important so that the voices of girls are heard and to advocate together for better opportunities (...) as a representative of the Generation Hope campaign, made by and for boys and girls, today I want to share the concerns of all the girls in my community, regarding climate and inequality, and our vision from the community”.

The meeting, organized with the support of the Commission for Minors and the Family of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, gave the participants the opportunity to become deputies for a day, sharing their concerns and proposals in favor of their rights before the plenary. 

“As girls and boys, from our community, we dream of a better hospital, more schools, better roads, a soccer stadium to walk in peace. I also dream that girls are free, that they are not exploited or raped” commented Jacinta, a 4th grade student from the department of Quiché, who was part of this space and hearings before municipal authorities to raise their requests and concerns about the consequences of climate change.

Jacinta, Dulce, and Caterin are part of Generation Hope global campaign and they are advocating for a better present and future for all children in Guatemala.