Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — In a concerted effort to foster a culture of peace and protect vulnerable populations in Puerto Vallarta, the Government of Jalisco has launched Juglar, a new recreational space located at the International Convention Center. This initiative, spearheaded by the Secretariat of the Social Assistance System, aims to address critical issues such as child abuse, lack of sexual education, and addiction among children and adolescents.
The opening of Juglar coincides with the World Day against Human Trafficking and marks the conclusion of the #JulioAzul2024 campaign, which seeks to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking. The initiative underscores the commitment of the Jalisco government and local stakeholders to provide safe spaces and uphold the fundamental rights of children and adolescents.
Joanna Santillán Álvarez, coordinator of Voluntariado Jalisco, emphasized the collaborative efforts between the state government, private sector, hoteliers, taxi drivers, and local families in tackling these pressing issues. “Because the way we act in providing them with safe spaces, in defending their fundamental rights, says a lot about who we are and what world we want to leave behind. You gave your time to this great project and I thank you very much and believe me, it has been an honor for us, from this space to be able to transform the realities of people who are vulnerable,” said Santillán Álvarez.
The event, held at the International Convention Center, showcased the progress made since the signing of a letter of intent on September 23, 2022, between the Government of Jalisco and Scholas Occurrentes, a secular foundation established by Pope Francis. This partnership has led to the implementation of various programs, including Development Poles, Reconstruction of Social Fabric, and Sports Academies, with over 15 million pesos invested in Puerto Vallarta alone.
Fabiola Loya, head of the Secretariat of the Social Assistance System (SSAS), highlighted the importance of these initiatives in building a safer environment for children. “We want our children to grow up happy, to grow up free of any type of violence. This is a symbolic and significant act where we want to convey to them that our commitment remains firm until the last day of the government of engineer Enrique Alfaro and who has accompanied him as coordinator of the Volunteer Program, Mrs. Joanna Santillán,” Loya stated.
As part of the ongoing efforts, fortnightly activities are organized at the Los Mangos Library to promote social cohesion and strengthen family ties among 350 registered adolescents. These activities aim to prevent risk situations and encourage positive development.
During the event, attendees received a message from Pope Francis explaining the educational pact through Scholas, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in addressing social challenges. The event concluded with a screening of the film “Sound of Freedom,” further emphasizing the theme of protection and empowerment.
In addition to Juglar, the Fixed Jungle Playroom has been established at the International Convention Center, offering children aged 3 to 10 a space to play, read, and learn fundamental values. This playroom, guided by the state Tourism Secretariat and DIF Jalisco, aligns with the Playroom Network’s care and teaching methods, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for young visitors.
With these initiatives, Puerto Vallarta and the Government of Jalisco continue to lead the way in promoting a culture of peace and safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents, setting a positive example for communities worldwide.
