Crecemos is a community organization that enables children and families to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization through comprehensive programs in nutrition, education, sports and personal development in the poorest and most isolated neighborhoods of Oaxaca, Mexico. Their 5 educational centers provide a safe environment for 500 children. Over 5,000 families and 15,000 children have been reached over the past 25 years and over 500,000 nutritious meals have been served.
More than half of the children in Mexico live in extreme poverty and over a million drop out of school each year. Oaxaca has one of the weakest education systems in the country and has the second highest rate of malnutrition among children. The Monte Alban neighborhood, where Crecemos has its largest center, is one of the most dangerous in the city. Families worry about drugs and the high rate of crime. Low employment rates drive men to migrate, leaving women alone to raise their families.
In Oaxaca, education gives kids a chance to beat the odds. Crecemos offers a place where children and families can be strengthened in mind, body and soul. After-school tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enable students to excel in school. Nutrition and good dietary habits are essential for a healthy future, so a complete hot meal is served daily to 600 kids. To ensure optimal physical and intellectual development, Crecemos offers opportunities for sports, dance, music and outings.
We want to break the cycle of poverty which condemns too many children to not meet their full potential. Crecemos children are much more likely to stay in school and succeed in life. They receive the personal attention and support that they need to succeed in primary school, continue on through secondary school and to university. Well-nourished, educated and mature, Crecemos youth will continue to surprise their families and neighbors as they find dignified jobs and accomplish great things.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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