Oaxaca

The state where I live, Oaxaca, is the second poorest state in Mexico and also has more indigenous groups than any other state. Mexico has the world's 12th largest economy but the gap between those who have the economic and political power and the marginalized people is huge. Because of corruption, etc. it is doubtful that the marginalized will ever experience a "trickle down" effect for years to come, if ever at all.

I would just like to share a few facts about the state of Oaxaca:

50% of the people in Oaxaca have no access to primary health care.

42% of the infant population suffer from poor nutrition or malnutrition.

64% of Oaxacan households use firewood to cook.

Almost 20% of people over age 15 are illiterate.

Alcoholism affects up to 92% of the male population.

At least 1 in 4 Oaxacan women suffer from domestic violence

Approximately 40% of men born in Oaxaca live and work in other parts of Mexico, the U.S. or Canada.

Most of the above statistics are because of the poor quality of life that the indigenous people of Oaxaca have. The Covenant is working with three of the 14 indigenous groups in Oaxaca--the Mixes, the Zapotec, and the Chinantec.

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed-Psalm 82:3