The Mexican Orphanage Experience and the Impact from Non Profit Organization Undergraduate: David D. Liu Mentor: Kristin Peterson, PhD Department of Anthropology

Background Methods ResultsDiscussionConclusion

Background The Problem Research Questions

The Problem 7000 abandoned children living on the streets 80% exposed to drug use leading to recruitment 20,000 victims of child prostitution Sistema Nacional de La Familiar, State System of Integral Family Development, 2005

Research Questions 1)Is the orphanage system optimal for the survival of Mexican orphans? 2)How does aid from nonprofits attempt to improve the quality of life and education of Mexican orphans? 3)What is the perceived impact of the volunteer and some barrier that prevent individuals from taking further action?

Methods Data Collection Process Sample Questions

Data Collection Process Demographics Reason for going How did they hear Things considered Pre Survey Fun! Tours! Playing! Laughing! Participant Observation Lessons learned General feeling Coming on another trip Actions to improve lives of orphans Post Survey 10 minutes Series of questions Interview

Sample Interview Questions Demographics General feelings/reflection Impact and goals Social, political, economic, cultural issues Nonprofit intervention

Results Survey of Volunteers prior to Mexico Participant Observation Survey of Volunteers after the visit Optional Interviews

Survey of Volunteers prior to Mexico

Survey of Volunteers after the visit Self reflective narrative Statistical information recall Encourage donations Making personal connections

Participant Observation Very community based organization. Lots of acknowledgements by first time and tight bonds. Communal group effort in the kitchen at the orphanage. Pizza is cooked by a local Mexican cooking company.

Interviews Discussion of feeling humbled and empowered. Accomplishments and general feelings match goals of CDV.

Discussion The Volunteer Experience The Orphan Experience

The Volunteer Experience Attitudes about non profit intervention change as the volunteer participates longer and more frequently. “Post colonial” humanitarian aid becomes less evident as the experience goes by and consistency. Love, compassion and joy from the orphans creates a mutual symbiotic relationship between the two groups. This leads to a more self reflective and meditative response after their day.

The Orphan Experience Young girls are usually the ones to take on a mother like role tending to the well being of the other orphans and general household.. As an older individual, you are a role model to others. This is achievable because basic biological and well being needs are met due to the non profit intervention.

Conclusion Wrapping It Up Implications

Wrapping it Up 1)Is the orphanage system optimal for the survival of Mexican orphans? Provides mentorship, guidance and role models for change Social interactions and leadership development Maslow Hierarchy of needs

Self-Actualization Achieving individual potential EsteemBelongingSafetyPhysiological

Wrapping it Up 2) How does aid from nonprofits attempt to improve the quality of life and education of Mexican orphans? Hierarchy of needs Social interaction Stability and guidance

Wrapping it Up 3) What is the perceived impact of the volunteer and some barrier that prevent individuals from taking further action? Love, compassion and hope A difference Media concerns, safety

Implications The orphanage system provides an opportunity to be safe and protected which is the best option. Nonprofit organizations provide basic necessities but also a mental and social connection to the orphans Individuals that participate in this service are able to make a mental connection as well as feel more humanistic.

Acknowledgements

My Amazing Mentor Kristin Peterson Department of Anthropology Ph.D., Rice University, 2004 SBSG 3336 |

Thank you Contact David Liu University of California, Irvine Program in Public Health | Public Health Policy School of Social Sciences | Anthropology School of Education | Educational Studies Minor (626)

Questions