Protect 800 children from sexual abuse in Mexico

The support received from each of our donors continues to bear fruit. Thanks to this, in recent months we have carried out the following activities as part of our efforts to prevent and address sexual violence against children in Mexico:

1. Training adults: We trained the Smurfit Westrock Foundation team in the use of the Toolbox for prevention. They work with dozens of children, adolescents, and youth in their Community Center located in Ecatepec, State of Mexico.
   As a result of the workshop, 58% of participants increased their knowledge, and 81% reported feeling more capable and confident in preventing and responding to cases of Child Sexual Violence.
   We also received positive feedback from them, such as:
   "It was a gratifying experience where I recognized many things about myself, in addition to broadening my perspective and sensitivity towards everything and everyone. It seems like a difficult topic, but by working on it with awareness, it is possible to make a difference."
   
   
2. Workshops in pre-schools: We began the Toolbox workshops for children aged 5 and 6 in two preschools in the municipality of Malinalco. In both preschools, we are also training teachers as well as mothers and fathers. The following participants are currently being trained in these workshops:
   
   • 64 preschool children (34 girls and 30 boys)
   • 57 adults trained: 13 teachers and 44 caregivers, totaling 51 women and 6 men
     
     
3. Psychological Support: In September, two patients successfully completed their therapy process and were discharged. In a satisfaction survey of those who received psychological support, 100% rated the service as "very good," including its accessibility, usefulness, and the professionalism of the staff providing care.
   
   
4. Photography Contest: We are currently preparing the Photography Contest and Exhibition "Capturing Safe Spaces", aimed at encouraging children, adolescents, and young people in Malinalco to identify the places where they feel protected, cared for, and secure. This contest is part of our community communication campaign and seeks to help children and adolescents strengthen their protective factors against risky situations by recognizing the support networks they currently have. The call for entries began in October, and the award ceremony and photo exhibition will be taking place on November 16 at the Malinalxóchitl Cultural Center.

Links:

• Reporte en espanol