Second surge of asylum seekers reach the Mexico-US border

In the first few months of the Biden administration being voted into power in the U.S there was an incredible surge in the number of unaccompanied children arriving from Central America to the U.S- Mexico border. In recent weeks, there has been yet another surge of asylum seekers from countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, with many seeking asylum to escape the often dangerous and tragic circumstances they face in their home countries. In the hope that recent relaxed border policies would increase their chances of being granted asylum, tens of thousands have made the dangerous journey.

The ongoing crisis in Central America resulting from the steadily rising rates of poverty, the food crisis and ongoing gang violence has contributed to the staggering increase in the numbers of single parents, children and adolescents making the treacherous and dangerous journey through Mexico to the US border (Wall Street Journal 28/10/21).

July this year saw a record number of unaccompanied children, more than 19,000, who were encountered by US border patrol agents. However, this number only represents those who were processed at the border by the US government, there are thousands more who continue to cross every month unprocessed. This year, with numbers never seen before will set a new record for the overall apprehensions (Reuters.com).

The underlying causes of this migration crisis in Central America have existed for decades and continue to ripple through and destroy the basic foundations of society. The social fabric in these countries are broken and this perpetuates serious social issues which add to the distress of many living in chronic poverty and violence.

In August 2021 statistics released by Statista.com show that El Salvador has the second highest rate of imprisonment per capita in the world, second only to the United States, with an approximate 564 of every 100,000 residents currently imprisoned.

Today, El Salvador has the highest murder rate of women (femicide) in the world, and one of the highest child homicide rates- children aged 0-19 years old (ourworldindata.org).

El Salvador’s history in particular has been one of unrest, which manifested in civil war in the 1980’s. This caused a significant shift within an already poor and vulnerable society.

Yet, these statistics only tell a part of the story. These figures also highlight the extent to which the family unit has been broken down over the course of generations. The family structure which should provide the primary security, safety and love has been severely affected. The problems of the past that Salvadorean society has grappled with continue to have significant impacts on children's wellbeing today.

We believe that we can be part of the change that is so desperately needed in El Salvador.

"There comes a point in time where we need to stop pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in"

-Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The difficulties that thousands upon thousands of children face every day of security and safety in El Salvador is the reason that one of the core values across all our programs is engaging and supporting the family unit. By intentionally working to restore and strengthen the family unit, our goal is to support parents and guardians to create and sustain a stable and secure family environment for children as this is what children so desperately need to adequately adjust and grow. It is the most important foundation in the early years for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

So, when we open the doors of our children’s feeding program we are also opening the doors to entire families. Our goal is to continue to work towards the restoration of the family as we believe this to be one of the keys to seeing lasting positive change. We are especially blessed to be able to meet families where they are at in times of need, when they are faced with hardship, poverty, and violence.

Our recent family outreach events have given us the opportunity to do just that.

This past month we had the pleasure of inviting families living in San Martin and Guazapa to come together with their children for a special family event.

Familia Hernandez

Lucy* is a young 13-year-old girl who has been facing some real difficulties and challenges at home. When she arrived at our event in San Martin she was on her own, believing that her mum, brother, sisters and stepfather would not be attending the family event. The past few years have been very difficult for the entire family. About four years ago her biological father ‘disappeared’ while he was out selling merchandise on the street. Sadly, they feared he was killed and his body was never found. With no answers as to what happened to him, this heart-breaking situation caused an incredible amount of pain in the family. Relationally for all of them it has been a very difficult few years as they each tried to process their grief. But on the evening of our event, to Lucy's surprise, her whole family arrived shortly after; her Mum told her that she had felt compelled to come. They all took part in the games together, shared a meal and our team had an opportunity to step in and pray with the family and to speak life and hope into their situation. On that day the family renewed their commitment to one another. Our team has been blessed to be able to come alongside this family and to provide some relief and support as they move forward. (*name changed)

This year has been incredibly difficult for everyone and the reports of so many crises around the world can be overwhelming, but we must not forget of the HOPE that we are able to bring into these situations.

We have the opportunity to impact more families just like with the Hernandez family this Christmas.

Christmas appeal

This Christmas we are planning to hold family events in two communities that desperately need some HOPE and JOY. With your Donation we will be able to provide a special Christmas lunch, grocery hampers and gifts for the children of families living in poverty.

For just $30 Australian Dollars you can give Hope to a family in El Salvador.

You can make a Tax-Deductible donation today