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One year after the earthquake of September 19, 2017, attention to the emergency in Tetela del Volcán and Jojutla, Morelos, continues. During this time, AMEXTRA has not only limited itself to the reconstruction of homes and the reactivation of family businesses, it has also helped victims rebuild their lives, at an emotional and community level.

In this process, although the progress and completion of a home is valuable, what gives us great joy; also, are the testimonies of the people benefited with the projects and actions of AMEXTRA. In honor of them, the true protagonists of this chapter in our story, we share with you some of their words.

Gloria Jiménez Mendoza

Permanent Home Reconstruction at Tetela del Volcán, Morelos.

At age 69, Mrs. Gloria Jiménez Mendoza lives alone. Her children, who already have their own families, reside far from Tetela del Volcán. Gloria, for income, takes care of her fruit trees and her small grocery store. After the earthquake of September 19, 2017, she lost her home.

Without having anywhere to go, she says, she took refuge in the ruins of what was once her home. Like the rest of the victims, she expected the help promised by the federal government, through the Trust Fund for Natural Disasters (FONDEN), and the state, with its initiative “United for Morelos”, however, she only received $ 15,000.00 pesos (less than $1,000 U.S. dollars).

How do I build a house with that money? Gloria wondered. On October 22, 2017, AMEXTRA learned about the need and together with the Molcajete Collective, the commitment to respond to it was formed. At first, a temporary shelter was installed. This served as a shelter during the reconstruction of her home. The reconstruction work began in April and by July 2018, Mrs. Gloria received her new completed home. With tears in her eyes, she thanked the regional AMEXTRA team in Tetela del Volcán for their support and asked them not to forget her. She also pointed out that her new house will always have its doors open for the people of the association and the Molcajete collective.

Carmen Morales

Business Reactivation at Jojutla, Morelos.

Mrs. “Carmelita”, as they know her, lost everything: her home and her business of “comida corrida” (small restaurant), the main source of her family income. In the first trip to the region, which was made by the AMEXTRA Consultants team, we got to know her story (read it here). In April 2018, AMEXTRA supported her with the purchase of cooking utensils, with a value of $ 10,000.00 pesos, with this incentive she has reactivated her business. Upon receiving her new work tools, she commented: “God bless the Association for the opportunity it gave me to encourage my faith and motivate me to move forward with the plans I have today. Thank you”.

Josefina García

Business Reactivation at Tetela del Volcán, Morelos.

I am grateful to the AMEXTRA foundation for the support they gave me, I am Josefina García, I live in Tetela del Volcán. I work in the field and I tend to my children. My husband, before dying, saved to have a business renting tables and chairs for parties. The profitability of the business is good, but some are already deteriorated by use, so when I was invited to be part of the project, I was infinitely grateful for the opportunity, because I am currently working to rebuild two rooms that were damaged during the September 19 earthquake last year. I attend to the needs of my child that has Down Syndrome and I help my daughter in the expenses that her career generates. The help they gave me from AMEXTRA was a blessing. Thank you!

Zurisadai Cabrera Cedillo

Scholarship at Tetela del Volcán, Morelos.

“Hello. My name is Zurisadai Cabrera Cedillo, a university student from the School of Superior Studies of Tetela del Volcán, I was a beneficiary of support for young people. This money will be used to pay my enrollment to the university and that of my sister, in addition to solving for at least one week the bus fares from Cuautla to Tetela del Volcán. Thank you”.

The reconstruction of Tetela del Volcán is still going, and there are still many more transformation stories to tell. Join us and be part of this story of love and empathy with the victims of the earthquake of September 19, 2017 in this town! For more information: write to us at [email protected] or through our Facebook page.

Mexican Association of Rural and Urban Transformation, A.C.

September 2018.