In November 2024, our team had the incredible opportunity to visit three of our valued partner organizations: Matraca, Canica, and Espiral. These encounters gave us insight into the unique programs and challenges faced by these groups, each dedicated to improving the lives of children and teenagers in Mexico. Below is a summary of our experiences and discussions with the leadership teams from these organizations.
Matraca: Nurturing Education and Well-being in Xalapa
On November 26, 2024, Anna Mora and Henning Zorn visited Matraca, an NGO that has been operating for 33 years in various communities in Xalapa, Veracruz. Matraca’s central goal is to offer children in underserved areas the opportunity to catch up educationally and emotionally.
We had the chance to speak with Erika Antonio Blanco, the director, and Josefina Castregon Holguin, a long-time coordinator at Matraca. They emphasized how Matraca not only provides academic support but also offers meals, medical check-ups, and psychological services to children. The center is a safe space where 25 children currently receive educational classes to level up to their peers. Moreover, the children take pride in maintaining their environment, helping with both its upkeep and recreational activities.
The organization operates with an efficient cost structure, with approximately 65–70% of the budget allocated to operational needs, including educational materials, food, and transportation. Around 30–35% is spent on wages for a solid team of 10 employees, supported by a fluid volunteer force of 25. Matraca’s sustainable model ensures that they can meet both their educational and logistical needs, even as they continue to support children reintegrating into formal schooling.
Matraca will soon submit their application with us for a new project in 2025. This could further the impact of their work in the community.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with this trusted partner.
As these organizations continue to make a significant impact in their communities, we will work to provide ongoing support.
Canica: Supporting Youth and Navigating Challenges in Oaxaca
Canica, a 32-year-old NGO, has long been a key player in the region of Oaxaca. During our visit on November 3, 2023, we spoke with Rodrigo Alvarado, Canica’s newly appointed director, who took the reins on October 1st. With a background in international relations and a strong network, Rodrigo is already making waves in his new role by prioritizing the organization’s infrastructure and sustainability.
Rodrigo discussed the challenges Canica faces due to low wages for its staff, which has resulted in leadership instability. Despite these difficulties, Canica remains committed to supporting children aged 6-17 years, providing essential services such as food packages, healthcare access, and educational support. Canica is also focused on improving its infrastructure, reducing costs, and making the day center more energy-efficient with plans to install solar panels and reduce water consumption.
The organization has made significant strides, notably securing social security benefits and launching a community health campaign. Rodrigo intends to apply for two projects by February 2025 — one for infrastructure and another for educational needs, which we fully support.
Espiral: Addressing Food Education and Health in Oaxaca
On December 5, 2024, we had the privilege of visiting Espiral por la Vida, an organization founded in 2005 to tackle health crises in remote villages of Oaxaca. We met with Blanca Rosa Castañon Canals, one of the co-founders and current coordinators, who is also a founding member of Canica. Espiral’s focus is on promoting healthy eating practices and providing food education to combat a growing public health concern: the alarming rise of diabetes and obesity among children and adolescents in the region.
Blanca shared that since 2010, the incidence of diabetes in Oaxaca has increased by 130%. Espiral’s mission is to address this by educating indigenous communities, particularly women and children, about healthier food choices. Their educational programs aim to stem the tide of childhood obesity, a significant issue with 32.6% of children aged 5-11 in Oaxaca suffering from obesity, according to the 2018 National Health Survey (ENSANUT).
Espiral operates with a dedicated team of 13 individuals and has become a vital force in the local education system. Blanca promised to provide a management summary and a proposal for next year’s initiatives, which we look forward to reviewing and supporting.
Looking Ahead: Shared Challenges and Collaborative Opportunities
Each of these organizations—Matraca, Canica, and Espiral—has a unique approach and mission but faces similar challenges related to financial sustainability, leadership continuity, and infrastructure. We are particularly excited to support Canica’s efforts to secure funding for its infrastructure projects and the professional development of its staff. Similarly, Matraca’s work with reintegrating children into mainstream education is a cause we feel strongly about, and we are eager to explore ways we can continue to collaborate.
Espiral’s focus on health education is incredibly timely, and we are committed to supporting their initiative to curb the growing rates of obesity and diabetes in Oaxaca through food education.
As these organizations continue to make a significant impact in their communities, we will work to provide ongoing support.
Thank you to all our partners for their dedication and resilience. We look forward to strengthening these invaluable collaborations in the year ahead.
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