WHAT IS MATRACA?
Photo by Morgan Z. Callahan. This is one of our supporters in Xalapa, who believes that all children need the kind of caring she provides her own daughter.
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.
You can help the children by sending a check or money order to MATRACA, A.C.
c/o Padre J. Francisco Kitazawa, S.J.
Insurgentes N.58, Col. Centro
C.P. 91000 Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
(needs a 46 cent stamp)
To call the Matraca office from the United States: 011-52-28140077
Email: matraca@edg.net.mx
For direct deposit of contributions:
Matraca, A.C., #37994-8
mail to:
Banco Inverlat S.A. de C.V.
Sucursal 003 Revolución
Plaza Xalapa
Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
We also welcome the personal efforts of those willing to come and spend time here.
For more information, contact
Matraca