Less than two weeks after an 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico, at least 225 people are dead after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck central Mexico Sept. 19 on the 32nd anniversary of the 1985 Mexico earthquake that killed thousands.
Why World Vision is in Mexico
In December 2015, the Mexican government passed a new law that children must be guaranteed their rights when they are fleeing from violent situations in Central America. Believing that immigration detention centers are no place for children, the government sought to protect their freedom through its National Child Rights Law. Also in 2015, World Vision reported that child malnutrition levels in several Mexican states affected 36.4% of children under 5. Limited access to clean water proved a major cause of malnutrition because children’s health was compromised by waterborne illnesses. By providing families with rainwater collection tanks, vegetable gardens, and laying hens, we sought to improve this statistic. While the UN Millennium goal of universal primary school education is coming to fruition in Mexico, indigenous communities still struggle to educate their children. World Vision worked in several of those communities last year, opening more preschools to give young kids an extra boost and focusing on literacy to help children succeed in school.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Mexico ❯
Progress in Mexico
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Parents have been educated on the importance of early development activities and proper care for children under age 5. They have learned to use positive, nurturing parenting methods to raise their children with love and understanding.
- Children participated in child rights networks in order to learn about their rights and be equipped to participate in community decisions that affect them.
- We helped children secure birth certificates, which are necessary for them to access healthcare, education, and child protection.
- In collaboration with teachers, parents, and community volunteers, we provided life skills trainings for youth on topics such as values, addiction prevention, communication, reproductive health, and making responsible choices.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- To prevent waterborne illnesses and improve sanitation, we trained families on handwashing, personal hygiene, and waste management. We also provided communities with rainwater collection tanks to increase their supplies of clean and safe water.
- We trained mothers on healthy nutrition practices for their children under 5 years old, such as exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and preparing nutritious meals for toddlers using local ingredients.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Schoolchildren benefited from our peer-to-peer tutoring programs in math and reading which helped them improve their academic performance.
- Children are regularly using reading rooms at community centers that are staffed by local volunteers whom we trained to help boys and girls improve their literacy skills.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- 16,900 children and youth participated in spiritual nurture programs we provided with church partners that included Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.
Prayer Requests from Mexico
World Vision's staff in Mexico are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Kids to stay in school, rather than be forced into child labor.
Tutors to help kids catch up on their reading and writing skills.
News from Mexico
Prayers
Peace on Earth: How to pray for conflict hot spots
Our world is full of hurting families and nations torn apart by war and violence, and it can be difficult to know how to help those in need. Through prayer, we can “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Pray with us for conflict zones around the world.
From the Field
Mexico: Recovery underway after Hurricane Patricia
World Vision is working to provide clean water, hygiene kits, baby supplies, and Child-Friendly Spaces for children and families affected by Hurricane Patricia.
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