Manos Unidas

Discover Another Country:

Find a community:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on World Vision operations

In support of public health recommendations outlined by the World Health Organization, some sponsorship program activities have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Activities may include sponsor queries and correspondence, sponsor visits, gift notifications and gift deliveries. These temporary suspensions may affect the information you receive from us in the coming weeks and months. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.

The community of Manos Unidas has graduated

In 2020, the community transitioned from sponsorship to self-sufficiency and World Vision is no longer on site. Because of the dedication and partnership of Canadians like you, local people and organizations have been equipped to continue leading the community’s development – and that is something to celebrate!

Community
Impact

With the help of your generous and loving support, life in Manos Unidas has transformed. Children and families are much stronger now. The community has met its goals, and its members are working together to tackles new ones. Your support will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Manos Unidas y Esperanza para Todos is quite a long name for this Mexican community. That name, however, which means “hands united and hope for all, speaks volumes about the community's expectations for transformation.

The community, which goes by Manos Unidas for short, is located in one of the poorest regions of Mexico, and most families are indigenous Zoque. The landscape in the area ranges from tropical savannah to evergreen forests. Many of the houses are made of wood with roofs built out of plastic sheets that are often damaged in high winds.

Families here are usually farmers, growing corn and beans for their own consumption. Some work as labourers on large coffee plantations. The culture is generally very traditional and paternalistic. Many women speak only Zoque, and rarely read or write. Children have little say in any area of their lives.

Thanks to the generosity of Canadian sponsors like you, life in Manos Unidas has improved. Your support will have a lasting impact for years to come. Let’s celebrate these accomplishments!

A health centre opened with staff and equipment to provide extended care, including diagnostic testing, thanks to advocacy by community members.
6,500 children finally have health services close to home.
Youth are working together to improve their community through a network of 17 youth clubs, involving more than 340 kids.
A child protection system was established, thanks to the work of community volunteers and youth leaders.
428 malnourished children received care, while workshops coached parents in cooking nutritious meals.
Training sessions in animal husbandry and backyard agriculture equipped parents with skills to feed their families.

*Results for this community updated for 2020

Explore Manos Unidas

current conditions

To protect the privacy of children, this map shows only the general area of the community, not the exact location.

Life cycle of a sponsorship community

Manos Unidas, is in Phase 3

PHASE 1: Building the foundation

With local leaders, we assess the community's needs and resources, plan projects to provide long term solutions. Sponsorship and development opportunities begin.