Alliance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF promotes access to water, sanitation and education in Central America

Guatemala City, Guatemala, 29 May 2026.- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF announced a new initiative to strengthen access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene and digital education for children and adolescents in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, during a ceremony in Guatemala City.

The announcement was made during the visit of Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who together with Elder Patricio M. Giufra, a member of the Church's Central America Area Presidency, UNICEF representatives,  government institutions and local communities participated in the beginning of this regional effort focused on the well-being and dignity of children.

“The Church has had the opportunity to collaborate with UNICEF on various humanitarian initiatives around the world since 2013. Recently, the Church announced a contribution to UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund to support millions of vulnerable mothers and children worldwide”, said Sister J. Annette Dennis, who quoted Sister Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President: “When you bless, you bless a family, a community, a nation. When you bless a child, you invest in the future”.

The initiative seeks to strengthen access to climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in schools and communities, as well as to expand digital learning opportunities, thus contributing to the strengthening of education and the development of essential skills for the future. 

The actions to be implemented in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua will directly benefit:

• 19,500 students,
• 750 teachers and school staff,
• 33,500 mothers, fathers, caregivers and community members,
• 100 members of local water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) committees.

Additionally, in Guatemala, 32,000 students will be reached by social and behavioral change actions aimed at promoting hygiene, health, and menstrual hygiene management habits. 

Over a five-year period, the initiative is estimated to cumulatively benefit 97,500 students, 2,750 teachers and school staff, as well as 167,500 community members in the beneficiary countries, thanks to the sustainable strengthening of education services and systems.

“We are deeply grateful to UNICEF for its leadership and for allowing us to work together in support of children in Central America. We also value the governments, local authorities, teachers, community leaders, and all of those who will help make this initiative have a lasting and sustainable impact. We believe that true transformation happens when institutions and communities work together with a common purpose: to care for people and safeguard the future of the new generation”. 
-Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, member of the Central America Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

“Access to clean water, sanitation and quality education transforms children's lives today and protects their futures. Thanks to collaborations like this, we contribute to building more resilient communities and ensuring the comprehensive development of children and adolescents in Central America.”
-Olga Isaza, UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through this effort, UNICEF will work with governments, schools and communities to strengthen infrastructure, promote healthy behaviours, support teachers and expand access to digital learning tools, ensuring solutions are sustainable and locally led.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and UNICEF to support the most vulnerable children, families and communities through concrete and lasting actions.