Mano Amiga Acapulco School Restoration

CWM
Oct 15
2 min read

ACAPULCO

In the wake of Hurricane Otis, Mano Amiga Acapulco faced significant infrastructure damage, threatening the continuity of education for its students. Given the vulnerability of the community already marked by violence, unemployment, and lack of opportunity, the restoration of the school was urgent to ensure Mano Amiga students could return to learning in a safe and welcoming space.

Mano Amiga Acapulco, founded in 2005, is part of the Mano Amiga network of schools dedicated to providing quality education to children from low-income families. The school offers a safe, nurturing environment that promotes intellectual, spiritual, and character development, aiming to break cycles of poverty and social dysfunction through education rooted in Catholic values.

Located in La Venta, one of the most marginalized areas of Acapulco, Mano Amiga Acapulco found itself in the path of Otis a category 5 hurricane.

Catholic World Mission donors immediately extended their support to help rebuild the school.

Intended Outcomes:

Restore and reopen the school with safe, functional infrastructure.
Equip classrooms and offices to support academic and administrative activities.
Evangelize through Catholic formation, service learning, and community engagement.
Build long-term resilience against future disasters.
Ultimately, empower students to become agents of change in their communities through faith and education.

About the Hurricane: Hurricane Otis made landfall near Acapulco, Mexico, in the early hours of October 25, 2023, as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 160–165 mph. It was the strongest Pacific hurricane on record to strike Mexico, causing catastrophic damage and becoming the costliest tropical cyclone in the country's history, with estimated damages between $12–16 billion

PROJECT UPDATES

A New Chapter Begins: Mano Amiga Acapulco Restored Through Your Generosity

October 2025

We are filled with gratitude as we share the incredible progress made at Mano Amiga Acapulco, thanks to the unwavering support of our donors. Because of your generosity, the school has been fully restored and reopened, offering students a safe and functional space where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Classrooms and offices have been equipped to support both academic and administrative activities, ensuring that every child receives the quality education they deserve. Beyond academics, the school continues to evangelize through Catholic formation, service learning, and meaningful community engagement—nurturing not only minds but hearts.

Your support has also helped build long-term resilience, preparing the school to face future challenges with strength and hope. Most importantly, you have empowered students to become agents of change in their communities, guided by faith and a renewed sense of purpose.

The joy and gratitude of the students are beautifully captured in the videos below, where they personally thank Catholic World Mission and each donor who made this transformation possible. Their smiles and words are a living testament to the impact of your kindness.

From all of us at Catholic World Mission and Mano Amiga Acapulco, thank you for being part of this mission of love, education, and hope.