Oaxaca, Mexico - Community Health II

Project Specific Activities:

• Carry out community health activities in collaboration with local youth representatives from Avancemos and community members,
  
• Partner with local youth to run camps for 5 – 12 year old children.
  
• Collaborate with community members on the planning and implementation of a Community-based initiative (CBI).

Take a Photo Tour of Oaxaca

Project Area:

Established in the late 15th century as an Aztec stronghold and occupied by Spanish conquistadors in 1521, Oaxaca today is a colorful, modern city of a half-million inhabitants, the capital of the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, and a cultural center of extraordinary ethnic diversity. Volunteers will stay in partnerships of two or three in rural communities 30 minutes to three hours from Oaxaca City, where they will have a unique chance to explore the fascinating and complex realities of Mexican culture, politics and economy while living with a local host family. The area is known for delicious food, including mole dishes.

In spite of its cultural wealth, Oaxaca remains the second poorest state in Mexico, with malnutrition, illiteracy, and inadequate medical care affecting large segments of the population.  Many community-members, particularly men and young people, have emigrated to Northern Mexico or the United States in search of alternative means of survival.  This exodus can place further strain on those left behind, commonly women and children. 

Project History:

For 28 years, AMIGOS has been building strong ties with communities and public service organizations in the state of Oaxaca, México. From 1979 until 2002, there was a strong collaboration with Oaxaca's State Health Services to build latrines and fuel-efficient stoves. In 2003, the projects began to focus on youth participation and education, and partnerships were forged with two nutrition-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Un Kilo de Ayuda and Puente a la Salud Comunitaria.  AMIGOS will continue to work with Puente a la Salud Comunitaria in 2010. In 2003 a culture-focused program was piloted, which came to include a technology component in 2005. This digital culture program will continue in 2010.
AMIGOS is currently exploring options for a new project with a third partnering agency for 2010. Stay tuned for further information! 

Partner Agencies:

Ideas Comunitarias and Ashoka/Youth Venture

Further Actions:

• Apply to Volunteer