Church Brings Humanitarian Aid to Six Countries in Central America

In late May and early June 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced five humanitarian projects that will help more than half a million people throughout Central America. Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, represented the Church during these announcements, alongside members of the Central America Area Presidency. 

These projects include:

• Improved Eyecare in El Salvador: Continuing the “Windows of Light” program, which improves visual health and academic performance for children and youth. To date, more than 350,000 screenings have been conducted at nearly 1,650 public education institutions.
• Safer Water in Central America: Improving access to safe water and hygiene for more than 250,000 individuals in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. This is a joint effort with UNICEF.
• Better Education Opportunities in Guatemala: Donating nearly 750 computers and tablets to 66 educational institutions to increase educational opportunities for almost 3,000 students and 300 teachers.
• Expanded Healthcare for Women in Panama: Providing a mobile digital mammography unit to expand access to early breast cancer detection. This donation is expected to benefit at least 3,000 women in its first year of operation.
• Enhanced Hospital for Children in Nicaragua: Expanding medical care at a children’s hospital with specialized medical equipment and improvements to the pediatric intensive care unit. This will help more than 3,000 children and their families each year.

Improved Eyecare in El Salvador

For the fourth consecutive year, the Church, in collaboration with Charity Vision International and the Foundation for the Development of Women (FUDEM), has implemented the program “Windows of Light.” This initiative improves visual health and academic performance among children and youth in El Salvador by distributing prescription glasses.

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“This program will allow thousands of girls, boys and young people to receive vision screenings and, when needed, appropriate eyeglasses, directly contributing to their school performance and daily development,” said Elder Ryan K. Olsen of the Central Area Presidency. “It is a blessing that impacts not only learning, but also self-esteem, confidence and future opportunities. What we want you to know is that this is an expression of God’s love for you.”

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Sister Dennis participated in the ceremony on June 5 in San Salvador and reinforced the focus of individual worth and the potential of each student.

“You are sons and daughters of God, and He wants you to learn, grow, and have opportunities to achieve your dreams,” she said. “When a woman is blessed, a family, a community, and a nation are blessed — and when a child is blessed, it is an investment in the future.”

FUDEM President Claudia Quiñones Sol emphasized the significance of the collaboration, noting that such initiatives “open the doors for every child to achieve their dreams.”

Safer Water in Central America

On Friday, May 29, the Church and UNICEF announced a new regional initiative to improve access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene and digital education in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

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Olga Isaza, Deputy Regional Director of UNICEF said, “Access to safe water, sanitation and quality education transforms the lives of children today and protects their future.”

Elder Patricio M. Giuffra of the Central America Area Presidency joined Sister Dennis in Guatemala City, Guatemala, for the launch.

Better Education Opportunities in Guatemala

The Church is collaborating with the Sergio Paiz Andrade Foundation (FUNSEPA), the Ministry of Education and the city of Malacatancito to improve educational opportunities in Guatemala.

“We hope these technological resources will be a blessing for every student. Each technological tool that reaches schools today represents development, better opportunities and dreams fulfilled,” said Elder Giuffra at the ceremony on June 1.

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Sister Dennis shared a message with the students present, emphasizing the importance of education.

“Remember that each of you is a son or daughter of God,” she said. “He loves you and wants you to learn and have better opportunities.”

Salvador Paiz, president of FUNSEPA, noted that this donation goes beyond the equipment provided.

“[This donation] represents an opportunity for students to learn in a way that is more connected to the world they live in and for teachers to have new tools to transform their classes,” Paiz said.

In addition, the Church donated tables, desks and chairs to a school in the village of Piache, helping improve classroom learning conditions.

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Expanded Healthcare for Women in Panama

The Church donated a mobile digital mammography unit for the “Health on Wheels” program administered by the office of the first lady of Panama on June 3 in Panama City.

Elder Gregorio E. Casillas of the Church’s Central America Area Presidency made the official donation and said, “This unit is expected to benefit at least 3,000 women during its first year of operation, expanding access to essential health services for those who need them most.”

“This donation is not only a humanitarian effort but also a sacred responsibility to live the first two commandments — to love God and to love our neighbor,” added Sister Dennis.

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Dr. Ivonne Matute de Martinelli, director of social outreach for the office of the first lady of Panama, expressed gratitude on behalf of first lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino. She said it is “a blessing for communities throughout the country.”

Enhanced Hospital for Children in Nicaragua

To continue blessing the lives of children at Manuel de Jesús Rivera Children’s Hospital, “La Mascota,” in Managua, the Church outfitted the intensive care area with cardiac monitors, hospital beds and clinical furniture. The faith also contributed to improvements to infrastructure, lighting and overall hospital conditions.

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During the donation ceremony on June 4, Minister of Health Dr. Meyling Liseth Brenes Calderón thanked God and the Church.

“We first give thanks to God and to the members of the Church for having in their hearts a love for their neighbor and for actively supporting the Manuel de Jesús Rivera Hospital for the benefit of our children, who are the future of the country,” the Minister Calderón said.

Elder Casillas said initiatives like this are born from the desire to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

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“These projects are a reminder of God’s love for His children,” he said. “That love is shown in many ways, and today we see it reflected in every patient who is cared for here, in every family waiting with hope, and in every health professional who dedicates their life to caring for others.”

Sister Dennis added, “This is a work of love, and we are so happy to be part of it.”

Ministry to Members and Friends of the Church

In addition to her participation in humanitarian donations, Sister Dennis ministered to thousands during her multicountry visit. A consistent message she shared in meetings with members of the Church is “you are not alone.”

In Huehuetenango, Guatemala, she spoke to more than 800 women. “You are not lost to our Heavenly Father. He knows where you are and knows how to help you,” she said.

She added, “The Lord trusts you. You have been sent at this time to be a force for good.”

In Panama, she shared, “We are all daughters of the same Heavenly Father. That means we are sisters and that none of us should feel alone. Our Heavenly Father expects His daughters to support, help and lift one another.”

She acknowledged the personal challenges many women face — including depression, anxiety and family struggles — and taught them that each has a divine purpose.

“Sometimes we think that some sisters have no challenges because they always smile and serve others. However, they may be carrying very heavy burdens in their hearts. That is why we must love one another, support each other and joyfully receive those who decide to return to the path of the gospel,” she said.

Her time in Central America concluded in El Salvador, where she left the women of the Church with an invitation to unite.

“We need each other,” she said. “No one here should feel that [they are] going through these trials alone.”