ludotecaSince the beginning of 2021, the number of migrant children reported in Mexico has drastically increased from 380 to nearly 3,500. Children are amongst the most vulnerable people in the world, and for many, their futures are limited by violence. When children migrate, their access to the Right to Play is violated.  

With a commitment to protect the human rights to learn and play which have been internationally recognized since 1948 and 1989, respectively, ICF formed a partnership with Fondo Unido México – United Way and This is About Humanity to establish our first ludotecas in 7 shelters for migrant families and unaccompanied minors in the U.S.-Mexico border region.

What is a Ludoteca?

A ludoteca is an organized education and playing space, intended for the integral development of children and adolescents, whose center of interest is for them to learn through the power of play. It is directed by people trained as ludoteca librarians and through them, children can work on psychomotor skills, language, sociability, cognitive and emotional capacities, specific knowledge, creativity, and fun. Using all forms of play – games, dramatization sets, reading and music corners, performance, and among others – this alliance will create a lasting impact and empower children with the knowledge and skills to drive change in their lives, families, and communities. 

Children at ludoteca

Who are Ludotecas for?

Many vulnerable migrant children live in shelters with limited space. Ludotecas inspire these children to acquire skill sets and aspire to have a better quality of life. These education centers in Mexico take children from a place of uncertainty and vulnerability to a safe and happy place. This migrant education program allows these children to experience continuous learning especially since their journeys both before they reach these shelters and after they leave them are fraught with uncertainty.

How To Support Ludotecas & Migrant Education Programs

Today, children and youth in Mexico continue to face many barriers to receiving a quality education. These barriers include but are not limited to economic inequality, shrinking education budgets by the government, lack of educational services for indigenous communities, and gender inequality, As a result, ICF is collaborating with Los Cabos Children’s Foundation, El Dorado & Chileno Bay Foundations, Solmar Foundation, and Fondo Unido México – United Way to establish more ludotecas throughout Mexico, with a large focus on Baja California Sur. With the support of these alliances, ICF has helped build 13 ludotecas in Mexico: 7 in Tijuana, Baja California, 1 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, 1 in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, 1 in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and 3 in La Paz, Baja California Sur. 

Join us in commemorating children in Mexico. Using all forms of play – games, dramatization sets, reading and music corners, performance, and among others – these ludotecas are creating a lasting impact and empowering children with the knowledge and skills to drive change in their lives, families, and communities. Donate today to support every child’s right to play, develop, and learn. 

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