ENSENADA
MEXICO
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ENSENADA MEXICO +
MEXICO
Join us for a life-changing mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico, designed to provide a truly transformational experience. Over 10 days, you’ll engage in meaningful projects that make a real difference in the lives of those in need, while also developing valuable personal skills and character.
During our 10 days in Ensenada, we stay at the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base, which provides a safe and supportive environment for our team. Our itinerary includes a variety of projects aimed at supporting the local community:
Building a Home: Build a house for a family living in extreme poverty. This isn’t just about building a house; it’s about providing hope and a new beginning for a family in need.
Orphanages and Rehab Centers: Spend time with children in orphanages and individuals in rehab centers, offering support, care, and companionship.
Delivering Essentials: Visit a dumpsite to distribute food and supplies to those living there, bringing immediate relief to families facing harsh conditions.
Serving the Homeless: Prepare and deliver food to homeless individuals in Ensenada, offering kindness and nourishment to those who need it most.
Pre-trip Preparation
Before we head to Mexico, there will be 10 training sessions held locally to prepare you for the trip. These sessions will cover everything you need to know, from cultural insights and team-building activities to practical skills for the projects we'll be undertaking.
Purpose
Our Mexico trip is more than just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a chance to experience a new culture, make a tangible difference, and undergo personal growth. Whether you’re looking to enhance your CV, develop new skills, or simply want to serve others, this trip will provide a meaningful and memorable experience.
WHAT’S INVOLVED
A 2-day house build for a family living in extreme poverty
Working in orphanages
Engaging with teens in rehab centres
Delivering food gifts
Visiting a local church
Connecting with the older generation in retirement homes
Practical support on projects such as painting, construction jobs and gardening.
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THE FAMILY
The families selected to receive a home from Homes of Hope embody an extraordinary blend of strength, resilience, hope, and unwavering gratitude. Carefully chosen through a fair yet robust application process, these deserving families demonstrate a strong commitment to educating their children, maintaining employment, and envisioning a brighter future. It is crucial to acknowledge that many of these remarkable families have never experienced the privilege of living in a proper house, often enduring cramped, unhygienic, and makeshift structures. The gift of a home transcends mere bricks and mortar; it becomes a catalyst for transformative change, igniting a flame of transformation that forever shapes their future and empowers their communities.
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THE IMPACT
Through building a house, a remarkable transformation unfolds for a deserving family, bringing forth a wave of profound benefits that extend far beyond the mere construction of a physical structure. By offering the gift of a home, it ignites a life-altering ripple effect, providing the family with security, dignity, and hope. From improved living conditions and better emotional well-being to significantly enhanced health, the family finds not only shelter but a sanctuary that nurtures their dreams, uplifts their spirits, and propels them toward a future full of opportunities.
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THE PROCESS
The remarkable journey from a mere slab of concrete to a cherished home unfolds as volunteers set out to build the house. With meticulous attention to detail, the construction commences, filling the air with a palpable sense of anticipation and unity. The warm embrace of teamwork and solidarity permeates every nail hammered and every beam raised, as the house gradually takes shape, creating a vision of security, dignity, and fulfilled dreams.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of construction, a profound bond forms between the volunteers and the deserving family. Stories are shared, laughter echoes through the air, and friendships blossom, transcending cultural boundaries. Together, they create a tapestry of compassion, where the language of love and understanding knows no limits.
When the moment of completion arrives, tears of joy flow as the keys are handed over, and the volunteers speak messages of love and hope over the family. It is a celebration of connection, transformation, and hope.
THE PROCESS
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Fundraising is about more than raising funds. It’s an opportunity for your child to see a target and hit it spot on. They can achieve this in a number of exciting ways and learn key skills along the way, such as teamwork, strategy, preparation, and celebration. The terms and conditions outline when each payment is due, giving your child the opportunity to plan ahead so that they meet each target on time. We cover all of this and suggest a number of tried-and-tested ideas at our first training session in November.
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The training sessions are a vital piece of the framework in preparation for the trip to Mexico.
Your child will get to meet students from other schools and begin to form friendships which could last a lifetime..
Each session lasts just over 90 minutes and we explore topics such as: Cultural Awareness, Teamwork, Emotional Intelligence, Health & Safety and more.
Information regarding the sessions can be found in the manual that your child will receive when they sign up for the trip.
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In the M10 Manual, which your child receives once they have signed up for the trip, there is a comprehensive list of the required kit. Your child will not need more than what is on the list, and believe us when we say, ‘we’ve thought of everything.’ If you have any questions regarding anything on the list, please don’t hesitate to connect with us.
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There are certain documents your child will need before departure. They will need an up-to-date passport, an ESTA (Electronic Standardised Travel Authorisation), and a visa. Your child will be covered by our group insurance, which protects them for the entirety of the trip and is included in the cost. More information about this can be gathered at a parent information evening and the first training session.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT STUDENTS AIM TO FUNDRAISE?
“Very - people at that age feel more connected to the things they pay for themselves.”
“Really important, as it builds a stronger connection between the student and the mission itself due to them working for that money. ”
“It has flipped a lot of my values over.”
PROJECTS
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PROJECTS +
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ORPHANAGES
M10 presents a genuine opportunity to engage with the locals in Ensenada, fostering meaningful connections. Each afternoon, students embark on a journey to various projects, where they contribute their services and aid the dedicated community leaders. These men and women, who manage the orphanages and day centres we visit, operate without financial support from government institutions. They rely solely on donations from churches and visitors worldwide, considering their ministry an essential endeavour. Students actively participate by playing games with the children, assisting in light construction tasks, serving meals, and offering English lessons to those interested. Their involvement is not mere voluntourism; rather, they become part of the ongoing work that our partner organisation, YWAM, supports consistently on a weekly basis.
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REHAB CENTRES
In the UK, we are fortunate to have a robust social care system and proactive measures that prioritise the well-being and protection of young individuals. The stories of these teenagers are deeply moving, often stemming from distressing backgrounds. When we visit rehabilitation centres, it profoundly impacts the Mexican youth we serve, as they realise that they are valued and cared for, even by people who reside miles away. Witnessing our students engaging with these teenagers is a true honour, as it also allows them to appreciate the privilege of being raised in a nurturing and compassionate environment. These visits to the rehab centres contribute to boosting self-esteem and confidence among the residents, serving as yet another ongoing project in which YWAM consistently participates and remains connected.
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THE DUMP
Yep! That’s what it’s called. The place where the broken, rejected, disillusioned, and desperate go to make their homes. There are no opportunities, no real future, and yet the people who live here have smiles on their faces. The journey to this place is long, both geographically and metaphorically, particularly when you hear the stories of the locals. And yet, they call this place home. There is no judgment, only a desire to give as much as we can in the way of food, water, and first aid supplies. It’s very uncomfortable, but it’s comforting to know the students can make a difference to those we meet and serve.
It’s an experience, a challenge, character building, mind-blowing, heart-stopping, purpose driven opportunity that will change your perspective on life.