Below is a short collection of some letters written to Genesis.
Genesis Diez, A.C. is a Mexican organization, run by Mexicans for Mexicans. Most organizations that assist these orphanages (Casas Hogar) do not have a presence inside the country. We operate and administrate in the country we serve and do not visit only when running a program. We believe in living within the culture in order to create a stronger presence and understanding. It eventually becomes a base to break the mentality of funding and support only coming from outside sources and builds a pride in local sustainability. In using local professionals, guides, skilled labor, and volunteers, we contribute to the economy through direct employment as well as indirectly through spin-off resource allocation.
Endorsements
Click on thumbnails to enlarge.
A quick note of thanks from Prof. Mario Arce, Supervisor of Albergues in La Paz & Los Cabos.
Letter of commendation from Social Family Services (DIF).
In Mexico
Genesis Diez, A.C. calls Baja California home. Since many of you will be coming to visit our region in the near future, we have tried to provide a quick and informative guide that will answer some of your questions about Baja and the children that we serve here.
- Environment Uniqueness
- Changing Economy
- Educational Need
- Vulnerable Children
- Genesis Diez
This unique region is one of the most interesting and diverse geographical areas of the world and is still very much a frontier. The peninsula is home to some of the earth's most beautiful deserts, along with semi-tropical and mountainous regions, pine forests, and hundreds of miles of untouched beaches and coastline. The inhabitants of Baja have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The majestic ruggedness of Baja has shaped it's people, providing a cultural heritage of vibrant beauty, color and energy.
Since Spanish explorers landed in 1534, Baja California has been an enigma for the entire world. Shunned by much of the colonial efforts as desolate, inhospitable, barren, and harsh, Baja was home to a thriving indigenous population. Over the next few hundred years the indigenous population was largely eradicated and only a handful of their descendants exist today. Only in this century has the world come to appreciate the immense variety of climates, plant and animal life these first inhabitants enjoyed.
Baja is home to over 3,000 species and subspecies of plant life, and over 400 species of animals. Due to the unique geological makeup of Baja the surrounding waters are noted for being the most biodiverse on the planet. Sea Turtles, Giant Rays, Whales, Marlin, Hammerhead Sharks and the rare Whale Shark all frequent the warm waters of Baja. The wild elements of Baja are a fascination for the resident and traveler alike. It takes little time or effort to leave the modern civilized world and become immersed in the raw nature of Baja. The Baja of today is very different than the Baja of even ten years ago. It is punctuated with wide-open spaces, modern incursion and traditional hospitality, that is being tested each day. With the establishment of the trans-peninsular highway, modern services and markets have opened across Baja. The thriving border zones and agricultural valleys have given Baja an ever increasing economy that draws people from all over Mexico. NAFTA, which has opened market change in Mexico since its start in 1994, has increased maquiladora employment that, in turn, has also drawn large numbers of young people north to Baja and border regions. This shift in demographics has had a huge impact on social issues, infrastructures, and has increased a multitude of difficulties for the children of Baja. Affordable higher technologies, educational reform, regional inequalities, and other new impacts must be addressed.
Currently, Mexico is making a low investment in human capital and technology due to increased spending on debt service, which creates a long-term problem in a knowledge-based global economy. However, Baja is now so closely aligned with the United States through population and economy that it has become a "domestic" issue for both countries. Shared environmental concerns (water quality, runoff, ocean pollutants, smog, air particulates, ground water reserves, waste management, etc.), immigration, and technology will be decided during this next decade. Mexico, in total, is made up of approximately 103 million people with average earnings of $3,320 dollars as compared to the United States of 273 million earning an average of $26,980. Out of these statistics, 40% of Mexico's population earn less than two dollars a day. This creates unstable elements such as migration and poverty that are compounded by natural disasters such as drought. Mexico's GNP per capita is less than one seventh of the U.S., yet its population is growing twice as fast.
Many sources state that half the population of Tijuana is currently under the age of 18 years old. This is obvious as you cross the border and see children begging, living on the streets and working although they are only at an elementary age. SEP (Secretaria de Educacion Publica), which is Mexico's education department, is overwhelmed, under staffed, and can't even keep up enough school facilities to ease the burden in Tijuana much less deal with the children in orphanages. Less than 50% are educated beyond the ninth grade. Of the ones that continue their education, 16% will complete their secondary education. These changing markets, politics, and social values have created scrutiny on Mexico's need to meet the challenges of the 21st century by improving its educational shortages. Baja's future is significant to ours. We have a shared destiny.