In 2023, Church humanitarian efforts in Central and South America focused largely on the support of emergency response, education, and healthcare.
In addition, 39 education projects and 33 emergency response projects were implemented in Central and South America in 2023.
—Samson Hailu-Bekele, Co-CEO of Water for People
Among other efforts, the Church collaborated with local leaders to provide aid to those impacted by flooding and landslides in São Paulo, Brazil. Donations included items such as mattresses and other bedding, hygiene supplies, and cleaning materials. Church members also played a crucial role, actively volunteering to ensure the distribution of these provisions to those in need.
When multiple wildfires broke out across Chile, the Church mobilized to provide aid. In addition to providing tools to help local communities clear debris, local Church leaders coordinated to help restore damaged water connections. Church members also rallied to collect and prepare donations of food, diapers, and toiletries to benefit those affected by the fires.
In Montevideo, Uruguay, hundreds of young Church members volunteered to assemble kits of school supplies for students in rural schools. This effort helped improve school attendance and academic performance across the region.
The Church worked to refurbish classrooms and provide donated equipment to assist in students’ learning in Central and South America. In Panama, for instance, the Church donated hundreds of computers to the Ministry of Education, helping hundreds of students receive more equitable access to online learning opportunities.
In 2023:
For years, Shirly—a young woman from Guatemala—had no means to purchase her own wheelchair. Instead, she was forced to use a borrowed wheelchair, which unfortunately did not fit her condition or physical needs.
In 2023, however, that all changed. Thanks to a collaboration between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Fundabiem Guatemala, Shirly was able to receive a wheelchair that could be adjusted to her needs. She said, “This wheelchair … will be the instrument that will allow me to achieve my goals.”
In 2023, many natural disasters and emergency situations affected areas around the world. As part of an effort to care for those in need, the Church provided emergency relief through volunteer efforts, donations, and collaborations with other organizations. Learn more about the Church’s emergency relief efforts by clicking the button below.