COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Mexico

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico

Last Updated: 07/09/2020

Mexico began a gradual reopening to tourism on June 29. The number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to increase daily in several regions, and the death toll has passed 30,000. Hospital occupancy rates also continue to rise. Health authorities continue to ask people to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus. Some states have implemented additional restrictions on public gatherings, transportation and businesses.

Group activities are on hold at all Compassion child development centers. Most centers are distributing food to the families of vulnerable children. All frontline church partners have received flyers on disease prevention and treatment that they can print and distribute in their communities. Staff members have been able to distribute 82,571 food packs and 58,992 hygiene kits and have provided medical support to 3,519 individuals. Some tutors have been able to record lessons that they are sending to beneficiaries so they can learn from home.

A Message From Compassion Mexico’s National Director

Hear from Omar Villagran, National Director of Compassion Mexico, as he shares an update on how COVID-19 is affecting Compassion’s ministry in Mexico.

Recorded: 05/31/2020

How is Compassion Currently Operating in Mexico?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Mexico, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that even if centers are closed and letters and gifts are not being delivered, your child and his or her family are being checked in on regularly by staff. We all look forward to the day we will all be able to gather together again!

Are Compassion Centers Open?

Currently, all centers in Mexico are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. Staff members are working to create virtual programming activity, including videos and livestreams. They continue to call and check in on families, and in some communities they are able to visit children while obeying social distancing guidelines. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute 82,571 food packs and 58,992 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Mexico, although they are currently delayed. In some communities, staff members have needed to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

Due to the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, many parents in Mexico lost their jobs or have fewer work opportunities. To add to their challenges, grocery stores have increased prices during the crisis.

As a result, many families in Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program are struggling. In addition to the food parcels that families have already received through the program, many centers wanted to give additional nutritional support to the vulnerable children.

"We encouraged the churches to provide food to support each child with their nutrition, to have good health in this COVID-19 crisis," says Paola Quintero, health specialist for Compassion Mexico.

At the Yireh Child Development Center, children come in small groups of 10 to pick up food and take it home to eat, in compliance with Mexico's physical distancing guidelines.

"The centers provide food each Wednesday and Saturday,” says Alexis Cruz, a partnership facilitator. “Our plans are to keep doing it until June, when we hope this crisis will have decreased." With these steps, centers are caring for the children and providing proper nutrition so they can stay healthy, even amid the crisis.

How can I pray for Mexico?

This month, will you join us in praying for wisdom for leaders in Mexico as they seek to balance slowing the spread of COVID-19 and helping people be able to work again? You can also visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for weekly global prayer guides.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Mexico

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

Learn More >