Tepoztlan is a locality in the state of Morelos, Mexico, full of contrasts: agricultural land transformed into hotels and luxury residences, with an economy based on tourism. For rural youth without access to secondary or higher education, migration or illegal activities are common options. Centro Educativo Amanecer provides education, health care, family planning and vocational training for youth, women and families, promoting employment opportunities and a better quality of life.
Growth and population have doubled in the last 20 years, and the municipality of Tepoztlan has only two secondary schools, with 40 students per classroom, and one high school. In some villages there is only one secondary school. The outlook for these young people with little education is bleak. Competition from new villagers does not take into account the lack of education of the locals. As a result, many of the jobs in the hotels are taken by people from outside the village.
We solve the problem by providing tools and services to improve the quality of life in Tepoztlan. We offer workshops in ceramics, textiles, and more, promoting art and creativity for all ages. In the area of health, we support at-risk women with perinatal education, training for community promoters, and sex education for youth. In early childhood, we provide play-based education that enables mothers to generate income. We promote eco-tourism through English, computer and environmental education.
The children, teenagers, women and their families, to whom we are giving tools today to improve their lives, will be able to take care of their health, have proper birth control, awaken their creativity and have skills and ideas to create small cottage industries based on handicrafts and ecotourism, which will allow them to live healthier and provide an economy for their families. This will benefit the 7 communities of Tepoztlan, and support its vulnerable population to improve their way of life
