THE CRISIS
Chiapas is the poorest state in Mexico, with a 66% poverty rate. More than one third
of the population lives in extreme poverty, earning less than $2.90 per day.
Multidimensional poverty rate in the highlands of Chiapas
Attend elementary school
Attend high school
Daily income for those in extreme poverty
Attend middle school
Attend university, only 3 in 100 students
“The only thing standing between a child in Chiapas and a university degree is the absence of infrastructure, access, and investment. We are building all three.”
— Hands for Hope Foundation
“Investing in girls’ and women’s education is the single most effective development investment a country can make.”
— World Bank
2015 — Enrolled in university with 2 young children at home.
2019 — Graduated. Became a licensed teacher. Returned to serve her community.
Today — Rocelia advocates for indigenous women’s education. Her children are top students.
“I never thought someone like me could earn a university degree. The support I received helped me believe it was possible and then made it happen.”
— Rocelia, Teacher & Graduate
Your investment creates measurable, generational change in Chiapas, Mexico.