Mexican Children Flourish
Manuel Zacarias,
10, pushes his empty plate away with satisfaction. With lessons complete
and lunch over, it’s time for him to go play with the other children
participating in the Mexico Association of Hope program. Manuel doesn’t
take eating for granted. He knows first-hand that eating regular nutritious
meals and playtime are not normal activities for boys and girls living in
Valle de Chalco, Mexico. Find out more about how our partners are helping
Manuel.
Underemployed or unemployed men
and women from all over Mexico come to Manuel’s hometown seeking jobs.
Although there isn’t a high unemployment rate, about 40% of all Mexico’s
population lives below the poverty line. This forces both parents to work
multiple low paying jobs or move to places such as Valle de Chalco. Its’
streets are unpaved. Most homes don’t have a clean water source or
plumbing. It’s common for a child to be sick from playing in unsanitary
conditions that are found everywhere. Despite being surrounded by depressing
conditions, Manuel is working towards a fruitful future.
A few years ago the boy’s mother married a man who wouldn't accept
him. Rejected by his stepfather and abandoned by his mother, Manuel went
to live with his grandparents. The grandfather, 70, made a meager living
making crafts and couldn’t provide simple food and clothing for
his growing grandson. It was a relief when Manuel was accepted into the
Mexico Association of Hope’s program. He now receives food, school
supplies and attends educational classes. He shared, “What I like
the most is that I am very happy because I feel the love from those who
help us.”
Almost 400 Mexican children living in three rural villages participated
in last season’s Back-To-School program. In order to implement the
seven-month project, Operation Blessing center leader Zalathiel Diaz coordinated
with community churches and recruited volunteers with a heart for children.
The participants, some as young as five, attended weekly human development
sessions (personal hygiene, nutritional tips, school tutoring), ate good
food, had a safe place to play and make crafts, received dental cleaning
and fluoride treatments, as well as necessary school supplies. These malnourished
children were also given vitamins and fortified milk while they grew healthy
and strong.
Many boys and girls all over the world live in poverty and don’t
have the chance to attend school. Operation Blessing needs your help in
equipping tomorrow’s leaders for school today. Your gift of $25
or more will children like Manuel a chance to have a future that includes
an education – and that can make all the difference in the world.
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