Last week when attending the Expo Seguridad in Mexico, I had the opportunity to visit a World Vision International Mission (en Español) project just outside of Mexico City in the community of Ecatepec. This community is associated with Mission 500,
a project sponsored by the security market we work within. Its goal is to save at least 500 children’s lives with sponsorship provided by professionals and security organizations through World Vision International Global Outreach Programs.
Both Andrea and George Fletcher of Giprex (Trade Show Organizers) invited Cesar Gonzalez and I to join them on a day trip to visit a community of people in need of our support. On our way out to the community we stopped at a Super Store to get a few items for the kids (Balls, Books, Model Clay, Coloring Books, Drawing Materials, Snacks, etc).
On the way there, I truly did not know what to expect from the trip. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to help to support children who are less fortunate that than my own. As we came upon the community of Ecatepec, we took several pictures of the housing and living conditions (they do little justice compared to the experience of being there). The community sets on top of a couple large hills and the houses are made mostly of clay or stone block.
There are few areas for children to play and what is available is on a severe slope. We actually had to get out of our car and walk up the hill because our car did not have enough power to take four grown men up the incline (that is a kind way of saying we had one too many burritos). The facility we visited was a Community Center established for volunteers and World Vision staff to work from. It is a three-story facility built into the side of a steep hill like all the other houses in the community.
When
we entered the 2nd floor there was a group of women from the community
meeting with a World Vision small business educator. They were training a small group of women
on how to design, sew, market and sell their clothing and apparel
items. This is a course that runs for nearly a year to help the people
learn a trade and be self-sufficient. After finishing up on the 2nd
floor we proceeded upstairs where there are offices for the staff and a
main gathering room. We were warmly greeted with smiles and a flurry of activity by about 50 family members and additional staff who gave us a presentation of their overall operation. As the staff was presenting to us, I noticed that the hall behind us started to fill up with more people from the community (about 25 more total).
During the presentation we found out that this community has a population of 100,000 people of which 900 people have been supported by World Vision Sponsors, less than 1 percent of the community. We were informed that only 50 percent of the homes actually have a refillable water tank and the rest must find ways to transport whatever water is needed for their families. It reminded me how important it is for each and every one of us to help make this world a better place, however we choose to do so. So many of us have so much and there is a global population out there that were not born into their families, communities or countries with the opportunities that we have solely based on where we were born or our family situation. It's good to know that organizations like World Vision support the needs of the community by providing food, clothing, medical, education, training and spiritual growth.
After the presentations, many mothers stood up to talk about what they do to give back to the community. Many provide support domestic violence, medical needs, hygiene care, human rights education, etc. Once the presentations were over, Andrea and Jurgen of Giprex distributed the small gifts we brought for the kids. It was great to
see the big smiles and sincere gratitude on the kids faces for
receiving a small gift from us.
Once the candy and toys were handed out we took some time to meet the mothers and their families. One of the children (a 12 year old girl) came over to Cesar and I crying because her sponsor has not written her for a long time and she feels that they do not care about her anymore. That was heart breaking. It made me think of my kids and how important it is in the development of a child to show interest and positive involvement in their lives.
The individuals we met were a great group of people and not only was there a tremendous feeling of compassion for them, but also a pride in what these families have endured and what they continue to work through each and every day. Before we left the congregation area with all the families, we were informed that six children were not yet sponsored from the group we met and before we left everyone had a sponsor.
At the end of our visit we went to the first floor and met a classroom of people learning computer skills for data entry, clerical and other PC/SW related skills to help them in securing employment. Beside this room was an area where women can learn skills to become a beautician (hair, nails and makeup). The last room we saw was an educational and interactive play area for the children to have fun and learn.
As we left we had many grateful families there to say goodbye. They expressed many thanks for what us and those like us are doing to sponsor these very deserving families. It was truly a personally rewarding and heartfelt visit with these special people. I look forward to going back to see them again in the future to share and experience first-hand how they are progressing. If you are interested in finding out more about how you can help children or families in need globally, please visit Mission 500 or World Vision International (en Español) for additional information.
To see all the photos from our trip, visit the DIGIOP Facebook page and learn more about our DIGIOP Cares program.
Rich Mellott, President [email]
