We’ve been writing this blog for almost twenty years and the only times we have ever asked you for money is when we visited the Hogar Infantil orphanage in Ocozocoautla, Chiapas. And guess what? We are going there again!
Long time readers will remember our two visits there with our Mexico RV Caravan groups when we raised thousands of dollars that went directly to help the kids. No middle men, no corporate advertising, no executive pay. Directly to help the kids.
We plan to arrive there tomorrow, so we’re not giving you lots of time. You need to do this now, if you want to help. Last time, we had donations ranging from $5 to $1,000. No amount is too small because it all adds up.
The money will be spent on whatever we and the local house director decide is most important. In previous visits, a new water pump, refrigerator, sofa, and washing machine were large purchases, as well as many smaller items such as toiletries and even soccer balls. Of course it will all depend on how much money we raise. We have far fewer readers now, but let’s see.
You can donate three different ways. For Canadian readers, it is easiest to do an e-Transfer directly to me at karead7@gmail.com
American and International readers can send through Paypal or Wise… again, to my email at karead7@gmail.com
Ruth and I will start things off with a $200 donation.
You can read more about the orphanage here…
Hogar Infantil – Ocozocoautla, Chiapas
Hogar Infantil (the name translates roughly as Children’s Home) is located on approximately 15 hectares (37 acres) just outside Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) west of Tuxtla Gutiérrez along the Pan-American Highway. Locals commonly refer to the town as Coita.
The property includes dormitories for boys and girls, a main building with a commercial kitchen and dining hall, a recreation and events area, offices, a library, a computer room with wireless Internet, and a small clinic. There is also accommodation for the directors and a guest house, along with a basketball court, soccer field, sewing cooperative, workshops, and laundry facilities.
Much of the property is devoted to agriculture. A large milpa produces corn and peanuts, while sheep, pigs, and free-range chickens provide food and some income. The children even make their own tortillas.
Children arrive at Hogar Infantil through various circumstances. Some are referred by DIF, Mexico’s child protection agency, or local authorities, while others are brought by struggling parents or relatives. Some abandoned children and street children find their way there independently. Many arrive having experienced physical or emotional abuse, malnutrition, and significant disadvantages. Some also speak indigenous languages rather than Spanish, reflecting the remarkable linguistic diversity of Chiapas, where more than 40 dialects are spoken.
Hogar Infantil provides a safe, supportive environment where children’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs are addressed. They receive nutritious meals, medical and dental care, recreation, and access to psychological counselling when needed. For many, recovering from difficult past experiences takes time. The sense of community is particularly important, as children grow up alongside others who understand what they have been through.
Education is central to Hogar Infantil’s mission of helping children become healthy, independent, and productive adults. All children are expected to attend school, with support provided for education ranging from primary and secondary school through preparatory studies. Financial assistance may also be available for those pursuing university or vocational training. The results are encouraging: many former residents, or egresados, have gone on to successful careers and are now sending their own children to university. The cycle of poverty is being broken.
Daily life at Hogar Infantil involves plenty of responsibility. Except for the youngest children, everyone participates in regular chores, including feeding animals, cleaning pens, gathering eggs, washing dishes, maintaining buildings and vehicles, helping care for younger children, and assisting with administrative work. These responsibilities teach practical skills, cooperation, and self-reliance. There is still plenty of time for games, recreation, and sports.
Hogar Infantil also employs a dedicated adult staff, including directors, cooks, coordinators who act as house parents for the children’s groups, and a driver. Additional help, such as a night watchman and office worker, is employed as needed.
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