Latin American Cities Launch Child Protection and Violence‑Prevention Programs

In Yucatán, Mexico, the State Education Secretariat (Segey) and the State Attorney General’s Office signed a collaboration agreement to staff the Ludoteca at the Center for Women’s Justice with two specialists in psychology and education. The professionals will provide educational and socio‑emotional support to children over three years old, identify risk situations and coordinate with the prosecutor’s office for case follow‑up. The agreement was endorsed by Education Secretary Juan Enrique Balam Várguez, Segey’s socio‑emotional development coordinator Mónica de la Cruz, Center Director María del Mar Flores and Attorney General Juan Manuel León León, reflecting the state’s broader “Renacimiento Maya” strategy for protecting women and families.

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, about 100 children, adolescents and their caregivers took part in the “Detectives de la Protección” workshop at the Centro Cultural Olmedo. Organized by the Municipal Council for Integral Child Rights Protection (CCPIDG) and supported by NGOs such as UNICEF and World Vision, the event featured four interactive stations teaching participants how to recognize their rights, spot risk situations, learn which institutions protect them and acquire self‑protection tools. Participants and parents highlighted the value of the hands‑on approach, with a 12‑year‑old representative stating, “We are learning about our right to life and respect, and how to decide what is right or wrong.” The municipality reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, rights‑based policies for children and families.