Palenque, Chiapas


Although Chiapas is one of Mexico's richest wealthiest states in terms of natural resources, it also has the nation’s highest poverty rate.  Chiapas is Mexico’s most southernmost state, where lands are located on mountain slopes or in river valleys.  Amextra works specifically with indigenous Chol and Tzeltal communities located in the state’s rainforest regions.  The vast natural resources of the region have unfortunately suffered considerable deterioration due to population growth and excessive production needs.  The area suffers from high rates of severe malnutrition and many other diseases because there is no medical treatment available and nutrition in general is poor.  The status of women is a significant obstacle considering that many do not speak Spanish, cannot read or write and have very little decision making power even though obligated to work extremely hard in the home.  The following programs are run in this region: Conservation of Natural Resources, Income Generation, Health and Nutrition, and Emergency Relief.

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Urban


Of the 20 million inhabitants of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City, 11 million live in conditions of poverty due to their income level, lack of employment and/or basic services, poor nutrition, inadequate education, health problems, or civic or social participation.  Of these 11 million, 5 million live in conditions of extreme poverty, of which 1.5 are in Mexico City and the rest border the city in the State of Mexico. 

In urban areas, Amextra accompanies children, youth and adults in extremely marginalized areas through educational, microfinance, nutrition, health, values, peace education, gender, human rights and violence prevention with the participation of local promoters and leadership, with at least 60% participation from women.

 

Ajusco Medio, Mexico City


Ajusco is a community located in southern Mexico City with a population of 59,509.  Locals have been known to jokingly refer to it as Mexico’s San Francisco due to the steep streets and hills that the houses and stores are built on.  The community is a blend of people from all over the country, known as squatters because they all randomly arrived in this area in search of better jobs in the big city, or to escape from family conflicts.  The community is marked by distressing statistics: like 60% of families consist of single-mothers with multiple children and 35-40 children crowded into every school classroom.  There are many testimonies about mothers having locked their children alone in a closed room while they went to work for the day.  Many of the parents of these children can not read or write and work long hours.  They are often unavailable to provide proper nutrition and care for their children.  There is a high rate of physical and psychological abuse that greatly affects a child’s school performance. The following programs are run in this region: Education and Income Generation.

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Lomas de San Isidro, State of Mexico
 

Lomas de San Isidro is considered a ‘lost city’ or ‘squatter settlement’ due to the large number of immigrants who have moved in from rural areas.  The neighborhood was formed over 14 years ago, yet does not have any kind of basic urban services such as: purified water, electricity, sewage or drainage systems, paved roads or property rights.  75% of the population is illiterate, which leads to a lack of employment options for the inhabitants.  Many are obligated to work as low paid ironworkers or house maids who earn no more than 200 dollars a month.  Another major problem is the lack of drinkable or purified water.  Women are often the main economic support, as many have been left as single mothers, or have husbands who are alcoholics, drug addicts or have fallen ill.  These women often suffer from domestic violence or abuse.  The following programs are run in this region: Education, Income Generation, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Health and Nutrition.

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Chalco Valley, State of Mexico


Chalco is a marginalized community that is largely made up of people who have migrated from the countryside. The major problems in the area are: family disintegration, low self-esteem in women and children, alcoholism, lack of employment opportunities for women, malnutrition, violence, delinquency, and a lack of activities and adequate spaces for children, youth and the elderly. Two sewage canals filled with black water, an open-air trash dump and a large gas plantation surround the community. The following programs are run in this region: Education and Income Generation.

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Others



In the past, Amextra has also served in other regions throughout the country.  The following is a brief description of the work that has been done there:

In the Northern Mountain Sierra of Puebla Amextra and local groups introduced technological initiatives in order to improve agriculture in the region.  Results were seen in 10 communities.  Five hundred families also benefited from leadership training, a micro-regional plan, a pilot fruit plantation, a nursery, savings and loan groups, and a network of bird production projects directed by women.

In Oaxaca, the Mixteca region, Amextra introduced a system for soil conservation, along with farming organizations who promote sustainable agricultural, natural production systems, animal raising, fruit production, wood management, and solar production. The program was directed by women and benefited 500 families. 

In Cañada Chica Amextra introduced goats for milk, latrines, veterinary services, and Chilechili and tomato production which benefited 500 families. 

In the Valles Centrales, Oaxaca systems for poultry and dairy goats, veterinary consultations, and fruit production were all introduced by Amextra in benefit of 250 families. 

In the Estado de Mexico Amextra operated and established an animal sanitation program that incorporated research and the prevention and control of diseases which were affecting the principal livestock in the region. A microfinance program and training was set up, community leaders and promoters were trained and 600 families were benefited. 

In Morelos an after school program for 60 children was created which is currently being operated by a sister organization which was formed.  In semi-urban communities local savings were mobilized through a microfinance program run by women that has benefited 150 families.  Part of the interests from these loans supports the education and health of the community’s children. 

In Guerrero, following Hurricane Paulina, Amextra developed a program to promote preventative health, community organization, and educational training in order to reestablish sources of local and small family businesses.  A participatory community program for the reconstruction of housing was also implemented.  This project benefited 400 families and was left in the hands of a local church. 

In Yucatan, Amextra supported nutrition and medical attention teams, training promoters how to teach their communities about preventative health measures. 

Villa Victoria, State of Mexico Amextra worked with Mazahua indigenous communities.  Due to the use of herbicides beans could not be mixed with other fruits or vegetables and only corn was planted. Amextra promoted the use of a system combining corn with beans and locally found vegetables in order to recuperate the soil, provide more food sources, natural richness and environmental balance. 

Xonacatlan, State of Mexico after 8 years of community work Amextra left a daycare center and educational program in the hands of local leaders.  Computer centers were started in order to provide financial support for the social projects.  Local staff are now beginning work in new neighboring communities.

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