He is 15 years old and studies at our Boystown in Guadalajara. After his mother passed away and his father remarried, Juan and his sister dealt with abusive treatment from their stepmother. They were sent to live with an uncle who, already having a family of his own, struggled to provide enough food, medicine, and clothes. His uncle helped Juan pay for school expenses and, when he found out about Boystown, arranged transportation for him to take the entrance exam. Once he was admitted, Juan said he stopped worrying because he receives the care and education he needs. However, he still worries about his sister and is motivated to study hard and be successful so he can help her.
The majority of poor in Mexico are children. When children live in poverty, it not only impacts their own development, but also increases the likelihood of being passed on to future generations. Families caught in this cycle are not equipped with the tools to plan and control their lives but instead have to focus on surviving. The Sisters of Mary help break this cycle by committing to children's physical, educational, social, and spiritual well-being.
Only $50 will provide a boy in Guadalajara with shoes and clothing for a year.
An aquaculture program at Guadalajara Boystown provides both fresh food and skills training for our students.