Oaxaca
This is Oaxaca’s dilemma – amid so much beauty, there is so much need. The story of Oaxaca Youth Empowerment begins with that need.
Oaxaca is a land of superlatives. It is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and biodiverse states, rising from the Pacific Coast, crossing the cloud-land of Sierra Mixteca, descending into the broad central valleys, at whose center sits the city of Oaxaca, and rising again to the crests of the remote Sierra Norte, bordering the states of Veracruz and Puebla.
The diversity of Oaxaca’s people matches its terrain. The is the most indigenous state in Mexico, recognizing 16 pre-Hispanic tribal communities, from the Zapotecs of the central valleys to the Triqui of the Mixteca. At least a third of Oaxaca’s population speaks an indigenous language.
The state’s tourist regions, like the historic center of Oaxaca City, where visitors sample mole and mescal, and the western coast, which draws surfers and sunbathers from all over the world, a vibrant economy disguises the state’s entrenched poverty and lack of education: Sixty-one percent of Oaxacans lives below Mexico’s poverty level, and a quarter live in extreme poverty; more than 16 percent of the population can’t read or write, more than double the national average.
Oaxaca at a Glance
Third-poorest state in Mexico
Average education level is six years
Sixteen official indigenous cultures
Only five percent of indigenous population study past primary school
Fifty percent of people speak indigenous language
Thirty-one percent of population work in agriculture
Eighty percent of towns lack housing and education
Population: 3.9 million
Help support our efforts to help the students to continue studying and achieve their goals. Make your tax-deductible gift today so the future of Oaxacan youth remains bright.
Oaxaca Youth Empowerment, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Our Tax ID is: 35-1988669