Population Media Center (PMC) has played an essential role in Guatemala through serialized radio and television dramas. These dramas aim to promote positive behavior change and empower communities. PMC’s programs in Guatemala have tackled topics such as family planning, gender equality, reproductive health, and environmental sustainability. By engaging local writers, actors, and producers, PMC ensures that the content is culturally relevant and resonates with the audience. The organization’s efforts have contributed to increased awareness, changed attitudes, and improved outcomes in the targeted areas across Guatemala.
Natalia Cereser
Country Director, PMC-Guatemala
ncereser@populationmedia.org
At the heart of PMC-Guatemala’s transformative initiatives lies “Toma Mi Mano” (“Take My Hand”), a captivating 156-episode radio show. While it originally aired from 2018 to 2019, its impact continues to grow as it reaches audiences across all 22 departments of Guatemala.
Following successful rebroadcasts in 2024 and 2025, the program is currently expanding its reach through modern platforms. It is now digitally streaming via innovative shorts on TikTok, bringing its message to a new generation of viewers.
Youth Empowerment: PMC-Guatemala plays a pivotal role in empowering youth through programs like BREAKAWAY Summer Camps and various pilot initiatives. These efforts leave a lasting impact on communities worldwide, from El Salvador to South Africa.
With a rich tapestry of projects aimed at driving social change, PMC’s presence in Guatemala reflects an ongoing commitment to empowering communities and shaping a brighter future.
BREAKAWAY , an innovative video game and mobile app launched in 2010, used football (U.S. soccer) as a backdrop to address violence against women, bullying, and gender equality. Players navigated the game as custom avatars, with off-field choices influencing their on-field performance. Paired with a supplemental curriculum and in-person camps, it has successfully reached youth around the world, sparking important conversations through interactive play.
Toma Mi Mano (“Take My Hand”), a 156-episode radio show that began in 2018 in Guatemala, made a triumphant return in 2024 with a new season. The series continues to deliver heartwarming narratives and diverse perspectives, maintaining its commitment to changing lives through storytelling. Toma Mi Mano reaches audiences not only in Guatemala City and surrounding areas but also across the United States.
