Many of these children have suffered unbelievable acts of violence against them and experienced things that no child should.

"Some children have been tied up by their feet and hung upside-down and then beaten with poles or cables. Some have been burnt with cigarettes, with one, two year old who arrived with scars all over his little body from cigarettes and knives. His face is scarred terribly."

"A fourteen year old was the sole survivor of his family after his uncle went crazy and shot ever member, including the boy. He is now deaf in one ear and has a partially paralysed face."

"By providing a home for two young girls, 12 and 13 years, we have been able to protect them from lives of prostitution."

"Every child here has a sad story to tell."

The refuge resembles a family home rather than an institution, where the children feel loved and secure. The children attend school, something most of them had not experienced before.

They also attend additional classes in swimming, dance and English, all of which are donated.They are also learning to surf and are the only surfers in Tapachula!

"One of the greatest joys in doing this work is to see the children grow and develop confidence in themselves."

"Also, other than being able to provide for them all the basic needs, to give them the opportunity for an education and then see the positive results of this, is wonderful."

"The children are now engrossed in the world of books with the older children reading novels and thoroughly enjoying every adventure."

"Academically, the children are well behind other children of the same age and need all the assistence and stimulation they can get to help them on their educational journey."

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