ATD Fourth World has been present in Mexico since 2007. It develops projects, especially in the fields of culture and education with children and their families in the Mesa de los Hornos neighborhood of Mexico City, fostering the commitment of individuals and institutions to eradicate poverty.

To stay informed about our activities, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Art and Literature Projects

The Street Library, a book lending service, and the Festival of Learning are the three pillars of our work in the Mesa de los Hornos neighborhood. These meeting and learning spaces take place outside in the community, illuminating and supporting the desire for discovery and learning of those who face the daily hardships of extreme poverty.

• The Street Library is a space that encourages children’s love for reading in an atmosphere of peace, respect, and friendship through books, games, and artistic activities. It is set up every other Saturday; while some facilitators gather the children, others lay out the tarpaulins and arrange the books on the street. During the first hour, a cheerful and interactive environment is created through storytelling. The next hour is dedicated to a hands-on activity or game, allowing for the development of creativity and the joy of learning.
• The book lending service offers children, young people, and adults the opportunity to have a book for fifteen days and then renew or exchange it, allowing them to enjoy reading at home. The books are lent door-to-door and include works by important authors. It particularly offers beginning readers of all ages the opportunity to develop the habit of reading and to engage in a dialogue about their discoveries.
• The Festival of Learning is celebrated during school holidays as a culmination of all the activities throughout the year. Its goal is to create new encounters between children and artists as well as with those who wish to share their skills and talents through workshops in art, science, poetry, and games. It is a time that turns the street into a space of joy, coexistence, and mutual learning that enriches the entire community.

Educational support initiatives

These initiatives are aimed at children and adolescents who face difficulties in an often-exclusionary school system. They seek to strengthen students’ confidence in their ability to learn and revitalize their enthusiasm and motivation to continue progressing in school. To this end, the initiatives implemented respond to specific needs, such as individual or group sessions to strengthen learning and self-confidence, study grants to access specialized educational support, and guidance in the planning of new educational stages. All these actions stem from the conviction that children living in poverty have the right to participate and develop their capacities and knowledge in an environment that values their individuality as well as their family and community roots and knowledge.

Youth Projects

Over the years, the children who frequented the Street Library have grown into teenagers and young adults, facing greater difficulties with continuing in the educational system. They are experiencing emotional and physical changes, new interests, and a deep desire to discover the world and be part of it. They wish to develop personally and to have the opportunity to give the best of themselves. In this context, projects arise to promote the participation of adolescents and young people in the world and their transition to adult life.

• Cultural trips that allow for exploring various forms of learning and creating meaningful collective experiences through visits to museums in Mexico City and other places of knowledge, establishing connections, and gradually forming a living map of the city where they live.
• Training and action spaces that promote capacity building, offer educational and vocational guidance, and strengthen the connection and commitment to their community.

Spaces with adults

An integral part of the projects developed with children is a dialogue with parents and guardians about their children’s experiences. This is a way to accompany adults in their desire to provide the best future for their children. This dialogue also includes opening spaces for reflection on relevant topics such as education and human rights.

Promoting the commitment of individuals and institutions

Encouraging the commitment of individuals and institutions is essential for the success and sustainability of ATD Fourth World’s initiatives and the transformation of society. ATD Fourth World promotes the active participation of allies, supporters and friends, as well as professionals and organizations who, by joining our projects, contribute with their time, knowledge, and resources. Through partnerships with educational, cultural, and social institutions, the aim is to create a broader and deeper impact in the community, strengthening the social fabric and creating support networks that contribute to eradicating poverty. This collaborative effort not only enriches the activities but also raises awareness about the importance of shared responsibility in the work against social exclusion and poverty.