The beginning of February Rebecca, Javier and Valentina had the privilege of spending time at Mentor a Mentor sites in Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez. We are thrilled to share that from that visit we have much good news to bring!
Unfortunately, before sending that good news to you we found ourselves in what is now the pandemic of COVID-19. We felt it important to update you first on how the sites, instructors and children are doing amidst these trying times.
In Chihuahua, the children at Orphanage Casa Hogar Adonai have been at home since March 20. Local school has been suspended and our Capoeira instructor, Gabriel, and music instructor, Brenda, have not given classes as all are in quarantine. Thankfully, directors Luis and Cecy currently have enough food and supplies to meet theirs and the children’s needs.
School has also been cancelled in Ciudad Juarez and Breakdance instructor Daniel has remained at home without giving his classes to the youth in his community and school. Considering the lack of testing being done in Mexico in general, there is not much trust in the statistics and reports of COVID-19. We hear from Juarez that currently the larger concern is the social impact. As most people daily need to work to survive and most businesses are closed, people are growing desperate and insecurity is on the rise. Friends in Chihuahua also share that many local markets and businesses have completely closed in hopes of preventing looting as time goes on.
Mentor a Mentor instructors are remaining home to keep themselves, the children they work with and their local communities safe. During this time we will be paying them for the hours they would normally be giving classes. Thank you for your consistent support that allows us to do so. If you would like to make a donation to help us continue this work, follow the link here. Please offer your prayers and well-wishes for our sites and all those working with the most vulnerable in their communities. COVID-19 is expected to hit impoverished communities the hardest. Pray for safety, good health and encouraged hearts.
Stay tuned for an update of GOOD news from our February visit! In the meantime, here is a sneak peak ...
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