Gruppenbild mit 4 Frauen in roten und weißen T-Shirts, die in die Kamera lächeln

Central America

Every day people from Central America and Mexico migrate to the USA. They flee from organized crime, poverty and lack of prospects. Since 2015, we have been working specifically on safe migration and on the development of local projects that aim to provide in particular young people and young adults with a place to stay.

Our new regional program runs until 2024 and focuses on safe migration routes for migrant workers from Central and South America. Also, the mission is to offer local projects for the local population to counteract poverty and violence.

In the picture, three women are sitting outside a house. They are talking and laughing.

Central AmericaEl SalvadorGuatemala

Disaster Risk Reduction for All

People with disabilities often have less access to education and social participation. Discrimination and exclusion make their daily lives even more difficult. During natural disasters in Central America, this can be life-threatening. In Guatemala and El Salvador, AWO International is committed to inclusive disaster preparedness and comprehensive support for people with disabilities in their daily lives.

A woman sits on a chair in a forum and discusses or asks a question.

Central AmericaMexico

Empowering women - defending human rights

Crime, sexual violence, poverty and structural inequalities are among the reasons why women flee their home countries to Mexico and the US. Access to protection and justice is complicated by many obstacles.

Two women are filling a sack with corn and laughing.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Good harvest despite climate crisis

Climate change is threatening the livelihoods of people in Guatemala's 'dry corridor'. Together with our partner organisation Utz Che', we are strengthening disaster response, promoting sustainable farming methods and supporting local income development, particularly for indigenous women.

A woman in front of her small shop where she sells goods.

Central AmericaHonduras

Future opportunities for returnees in Honduras

Honduras is one of the Latin American countries from which most people emigrate to Mexico and the USA. Many young Hondurans return home traumatised and with no prospects for the future. Together with our partner CASM (Comisión de Acción Social Menonita), we are working to give them a better future.

Central AmericaGuatemala

PROMOTING HEALTH - EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS WOMEN

Climate-related disasters and declining agricultural yields are threatening the nutrition and health of mothers and children in northern Guatemala. Together with our partner organisation ASESCA, we are working to improve health care for pregnant women and young children in the rural regions of Alta and Baja Verapaz.

Many families lost their homes due to Eta and Iota. The living conditions in the shelters are very cramped (Photo: AWO International/OCDIH)

Central AmericaHonduras

After Hurricane Eta and Iota: Reconstruction and food security for families

In November 2020, two hurricanes hit the Potrerillos region in Honduras. Only within 15 days. With a reconstruction project, AWO International helps families to get back into a normal life and strengthens disaster risk management within the community in order to prepare the community for future natural disasters.

Central AmericaGuatemala

The results of a long journey

The Municipal District of Ixcán in Guatemala is inhabited mostly by indigenous peoples and is characterized by high rates of both moderate and extreme poverty. For many of its residents, migration is the only solution. Since 2013, we have been working together with ACCSS in the care of migrants and returnees in Ixcán, and in the promotion of alternatives to migration. This project will end in 2024.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Strengthening rights for a population marked by emigration

Each day, many inhabitants of Chimaltenango and Huehuetenango leave their place of origin in search of better prospects, venturing to one of the most dangerous routes in the world to Mexico or the United States. Together with ECAP, we work in the promotion of rights and the empowerment of its inhabitants to change a reality that has been going on for more than 50 years.

In workshops, the young people are shown prospects for a place to stay (Photo: AWO International)

Central AmericaNicaragua

Youth work for the creation of perspectives for staying in the country

Migration from Nicaragua has increased sharply as a result of the domestic political crisis since April 2018. Our partner organization CANTERA is committed to secure and enlightened migration. In addition, it points out perspectives for staying in Nicaragua by working out life plans for young people and young adults with psychologists and showing them future perspectives through income-generating measures.

Migrants in transit are provided with a warm meal by the hostel La Sagrada Familia (Photo: UMUN)

Central AmericaMexico

Strategies for the protection of migrants

Mexico experiences the entire migration cycle: Every year about 450,000 migrants from Central America cross the country, many of them staying in the country. But thousands of Mexicans are also on their way themselves. But migration harbours many dangers. Together with our partner organization UMUN, we are carrying out a project to reduce risks.