By Martha Givaudan | Director
In a country where thousands of children grow up in contexts marked by violence, poverty, and limited access to quality education and recreation, Juega Más – Escuelas Activas emerges as a critical intervention. Led by the Mexican Institute for Research on Family and Population (IMIFAP – Yo Quiero Yo Puedo), this initiative brings the power of play, movement, and sport into public elementary schools in Mexico City, transforming them into spaces for healing, social-emotional development, and physical well-being.
How do we do it?
1. Promoting Equity: We work in underserved areas where access to extracurricular programs is minimal or nonexistent. By donating materials, uniforms, and training, we level the playing field—literally.
2. Strengthening Teachers: Our model builds the capacity of physical education teachers through 3 annual trainings, experiential learning opportunities, and ongoing support, helping them become key allies in social-emotional learning and prevention efforts.
3. Creating a Movement Culture in Schools: We embed physical activity in the school culture—not as an extra, but as a core strategy to promote inclusion, motivation, and teamwork.
Recent Achievements (Past Few Months):
-Reached over 12,900 children across 40 public elementary schools in Mexico City.
-Trained 89 physical education teachers in cutting-edge practices, including trauma-informed sport and Healing-Centered Education.
-Held a successful sports festival engaging over 1,200 children and their families, with 100% of surveyed participants rating the event as positive.
-Donated sports kits and uniforms to schools and teachers, improving motivation and participation.
-Connected teachers with elite experiences, such as training sessions with national-level soccer coaches and virtual conferences with Latin American experts in education and sport.
-Fostered cross-school collaboration, using play and movement as tools for school improvement.
Feedback from our participants:
They highlight improvements in student behavior, greater classroom engagement, and stronger school climate.
Why Support Juega Más?
Healing through Movement: Physical activity is not just about exercise—it's a tool for emotional regulation, stress relief, and trauma recovery. Many of the children we serve have faced violence at home or in their communities. Through structured games and sports, they find joy, safety, and connection.
By Martha Givaudan | Director
By Karina Estrada | Project Development Lead
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