Morelia

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mexico).

The capital of the state of Michoacán in central Mexico, Morelia is home to 849,000 people and 989,000 in the metropolitan area. Here, social deprivation, poverty and marginalization are some of the highest in the country. With more and more families migrating to the city in search of a better life, many live in precarious conditions on the outskirts of Morelia and lack basic services like sanitation or running water. Winters are cold in central Mexico, and the makeshift shacks people live in get cold, damp, and unsanitary.

Since 2006, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Morelia.

82%
Of children do not finish primary school in Morelia

Children need to stay in school longer

Only 18 % of young people over 15 years old completed primary school in the Morelia metropolitan area. Moving to the city may seem like it will bring greater employment opportunities for the parents and better educational opportunities for the children, but people from impoverished rural areas often lack the necessary skills and training to find formal employment. With no job security and lower wages, their children are excluded from the educational prospects the city has to offer.

10.7%
Years of average schooling for young people in Morelia

Young people need more training

Another figure that reflects the lack of educational options in the Morelia area, and other central states, is the average number of years that children and young people stay in school. If young people leave school and training after a few years, their professional and social chances are limited. In Morelia, young people between 20 and 24 years old have attended 10.7 years in average – the lowest duration in the country. As a point of comparison, in Colombia children stay in education for about 14 years, and in Australia, this increases to an average of over 20 years.

Your support makes a difference for children in Morelia

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
20
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children often do their homework together – that way they can help each other out if they get stuck (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mexico).

How your support helps in Morelia

Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.