WHAT IS MATRACA?
Photos
by Morgan Z. Callahan.
A process of help to working children and homeless children, it is neither
a government or religious organization, though validated by the archdiocese
of Xalapa. Its goal is to support and promote the education of the children
who work or live in the street, this being their principal place of survival.
MATRACA began with the name MANITAS JUNTAS (HANDS TOGETHER) in May
of 1991 as the fruit of the university community's desire to respond to
these children, so unprotected by society.
WHO ARE THESE WORKING AND HOMELESS CHILDREN?
The working children are those who pass most of their time in the streets
selling gum, cleaning windshields of cars, flagging down taxis, entertaining
by juggling (painted as clowns), etc. They, nevertheless, maintain a bond
with their families.
The street kids, on the other hand, are relegated to the street,
principally by conflicting situations, and they do not have a fixed place
for a home, education, meals, medical services, etc.
In the city of Xalapa (Veracruz, Mexico) it is estimated that there
are some 120 children living in the street and 3000 working children.
WHAT DOES MATRACA DO?
MATRACA promotes the respect for the dignity of the working children
and homeless children with the conviction that they are capable of organizing
themselves for work, play, and education.
To accomplish this, we have in process 4 programs of service and
support for the children of Xalapa:
a) PROGRAM FOR THE HOMELESS
Which offers an alternative housing, nutrition, clothing, and education
for the kids who live on the street, to serve their development as persons.
b) PROGRAM FOR THE WORKING CHILDREN
Which promotes respect for the children in their places of recreation,
as well as their organization for a collective solution to their problems.
c) PROGRAMS FOR THE FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY PREVENTION
Which help the children who have broken apart from their families
to reintegrate with their families under favorable conditions and to involve
the community in prevention programs.
d) PROGRAM OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
Which seeks to impart to the community a culture of respect for
the rights of working and homeless children & channels to express their
ideas.
If you wish to donate to Matraca, send a tax-deductible check made
out to WCCI and designated for "Matraca" to
WCCI c/o Dave Van Etten
702 Cree Drive
San Jose CA 95123-4614
As money is collected, a check will be sent to Matraca by registered
mail, with heartfelt gratitude.
You may also donate directly to Matraca at this address:
la cuenta del Banco es a nombre de: MATRACA A.C. Banco: Scotiabank
Inverlat Dirección: Revolucion # 787 Edificio Plazuela. Colonia
Centro. C.P. 91000 Xalapa Veracruz, México. Numero de cuenta: 044840056012712103
Nuestra dirección electrónica es: matracaac@infosel.net.mx
; olara18@yahho.com.mx
We also welcome the personal efforts of those willing to come
and spend time here.
For more information, contact Matraca
