Tuxtla Gutiérrez

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mexico).

The capital of the Chiapas state in southern Mexico, Tuxtla Gutiérrez is home to 604,000 people. Most families live off farming and the coffee industry, with much of this tropical land in the hands of a few large estate owners. The state of Chiapas is one of the most deprived states in Mexico. Those families in rural regions and from ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty.

Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

12%
Of the population lives in extreme poverty

Children living in poverty

Around 12% of the population in the Tuxtla Gutiérrez region lives in extreme poverty. This means that they lack access to social security, health services and basic housing. For comparison, in the broader Mexico City area, the capital of the country, 6% of the local families live in extreme poverty – that is half the Tuxtla Gutiérrez figure. Children and young people growing up here also lack access to school, and very often have to work to contribute to the family income.

5%
Of the population cannot read or write

Children missing out on an education

Approximately 5.4 % of people over 15 years old who live in the Tuxtla Gutiérrez metropolitan area are considered illiterate – meaning they cannot read or write. Again, that is higher than the average illiteracy rate in the Mexico City metropolitan area – 1.8%. 63% of the people who cannot read and write are women. This limitation reduces the educational, social and professional opportunities for women. More support needs to be given to girls and women so that they can stay in education longer.

Your support makes a difference for children in Tuxtla Gutiérrez

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
30
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Having fun in the garden – after spending time in kindergarten and school, children spend their free time playing in the garden (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mexico).

How your support helps in Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Village Tuxtla Gutiérrez. This was set up in cooperation with the local government to provide support, health care and education to children with disabilities. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.