This project will help: 120 children in Perla de Acapulco, Mexico
Country: Mexico
Child development centre: Pastorcitos Child Development Centre
Church name: Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Estrella de Belén
Executive summary
In the jungle village of Perla de Acapulco, children experience high rates of poverty and a challenging future. Far from infrastructure and opportunities, only half of all adults are employed and 80 per cent of families are subsistence farmers who rely heavily on good weather to provide food. Poor weather results in food insecurity and risk of malnutrition-related diseases in children.
Due to lack of hygiene education and infrastructure, children here face additional health challenges. There are no waste disposal systems and hygiene supplies such as soap are not commonly used. The nearest medical facility is a four-hour drive away. Culturally, family violence is common and tolerated in this community. Most children do not complete school, with boys typically only attending up to age 9 and girls up to age 12 before they are withdrawn by their families to prioritize housework and farming. It is common for children to be married by 13. Without further education or training, children have few opportunities to break the cycle of poverty.
But the local church in Perla de Acapulco has a deep desire to reach out to their community with the transforming gospel of Christ and respond to some of the most pressing needs of children.
By opening a child development centre, children will have access to health care and will receive supplementary food as needed. Through your support they will also have the opportunity to go to school and receive vocational training, age-appropriate Christian teaching and discipleship, as well as education on important topics like health, hygiene and how to form healthy relationships. Along the way, they will also receive personal attention, guidance and love from caring members of the Christian community.
Real and lasting change happens when children are developed to become the adults who will create change in their community. In Compassion’s program, children learn they are loved, develop hope for their future and realize that God wants to use them to help others. These children grow up to be givers and leaders in their community.
Help children build a new future free from poverty and full of promise by launching a holistic children’s ministry!
Summary
Community Information
Perla de Acapulco is a remote jungle community in Mexico of about 3,500 people. Once a river settlement of the Tzental people group, this community has grown much larger in recent years. Most people work as subsistence farmers and depend heavily on the weather for food production. About half the population is unemployed and many adults attempt to migrate to find work in other countries. Homes are made of dirt floors, wood walls and tin roofs. Families cook food such as beans, eggs and maize over wood fires. School attendance is limited and child marriage is common. Most families in the community are Catholic but have not heard the full gospel message. With three different evangelical churches, the community is open to the gospel and to church presence.
What your gift will do
Your gift will provide:
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Centre staffing
- Staff training
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Child registration and caregiver orientation
- Initial caregiver meeting
- Registration day items
- Camera
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Administrative equipment and supplies
- Office computer and printer
- Office filing cabinets and shelves
- Office desk and chair
- Office supplies
- Staff uniforms and backpacks
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Classroom furnishings and supplies
- Tables and chairs
- Toys, games and minor sports equipment
- Teaching resources and supplies
- Curriculum printing
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Kitchen furnishings and supplies
- Tables and chairs
- Cooking pots, pans and cooking utensils
- Cups, bowls and cutlery
- Gas tank and cooking fuel
- Storage cabinets and closets
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Health checkups and supplies
- Initial health screenings
- Height and weight measurement tools
- First aid kits