We chose to launch our Hygiene Program (HP) in the impoverished San Mateo hills communities, outside Mexico City, where we have over the past few years assisted many families with food aid.

Part of the Hygiene Program involves the actual washing and bathing of the children with their mothers participating, while our staff expound on proper bathing instruction and various cleanliness tips. Additionally, children and parents receive instruction on the proper methods of tooth brushing through a series of skits and illustrations.

We pass out hygiene kits that we had put together, each including a toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of soap and shampoo for each recipient. After a thorough wash, each child then receives new clothes and shoes, along with personal hygiene items and washbasins. (Considering that many of these families don’t have running water, and children otherwise only wash once every two weeks, these families are very appreciative to be involved in the program.)

Since we have found that programs based on a spiritual foundation prove to be the most effective and self-sustaining, we also introduce the importance of cleanliness of the soul, and here we introduce instructional Bible verses, and the parallel of how Jesus came to cleanse our souls from all our faults and shortcomings. In this way we attempt to attend to both the basic physical and spiritual needs of these folks. Many of these dear people otherwise have little hope or faith for their future. The love of God and faith born through the reading of the Bible is very strengthening and comforting for the poor, a healing balm and a ray of hope in their hearts

Prior to undertaking our Hygiene Program in the San Mateo slums, our research involved interviewing a number of families who would be potential clients for the program. We targeted disadvantaged families with 3 - 5 children and who cannot afford most of these items.

In the photo at above left, you see the habitat of Adan and Ofelia, where they and their four grandchildren live, the typical, very primitive structure in this neighborhood, practically a lean-to of metal sheets and boards. They have no running water so they borrow from the next-door neighbor using a long hose. Obviously, staying clean and avoiding sicknesses is not easy in these kind of living conditions. This couple’s four grandchildren, whom they have been raising, all have had stomach disorders, skin warts and diseases. Adan also has had several bouts with diarrhea but he has come to accept this as a part of life. Clearly, our program had to be basic enough to help folks like Adan, Ofelia and grandkids.

Another family that we interviewed was Laura, a single mother with three children ages 14, 12 and 4 (see photo above). Laura has been struggling with keeping up with the needs of her children, and she also expressed concern for the health and well being of her family as they had gone through sicknesses, lice problems and worms. She confirmed that there were many other families in this area that would benefit from a cleanliness hygiene program.

When questioned about their living conditions, and their personal appearance and self-esteem, the general response from such families was that they wanted to learn about cleanliness and hygiene, as they desire to elevate their level of living and quality of life. Parents typically commented on the shortage of water, the danger of sewer water in play areas, lack of money to buy their food and cleaning supplies, etc. They especially wanted their children to learn about staying clean and having a better presentation, as they feel this will enhance their future educational and work opportunities.

So simple objectives like hand-washing, the availability of clean water, having a basic set up for cooking, appealed to these families as much as if we had been offering them a complete set of new furniture for their dwellings. —As they saw it, a hygiene program would provide a building block to bring about lifestyle changes that will make a difference. And so our Hygiene Program (HP) was conceived, and keeping in mind their very basic economic abilities, solutions had to modeled on low cost options.

Project Manager Carlos Cedillo handing out supplies.

Poor Mexican lady clutching food that we delivered to her.

Testimonial of Sra. Rocía Vargas: (see right) I am a single mother with three children, one 7, 5, and 4 years of age. By the time the weekend comes, I'm already out of money, so having this food aid from Project La Familia Futuro is a Godsend. It gives us 3 days of nutritious meals. And the bread we get practically lasts all week. Before, for breakfast we often had to all go without. I've also enjoyed the Bible teachings and I think that's what we need most of all, we need faith in God so we can have faith for our own lives.