Since
the 1930’s, the Quaker community in Mexico has promoted social programs
within the Mexican community. Casa
de los Amigos, A.C. was formally begun in 1956 after the acquisition
of a property belonging to the family of muralist José Clemente
Orozco. The Casa’s mission is to promote peace and international understanding,
and part of this service is achieved through social projects with
volunteers. American Friends Service Committee supported the Casa
de los Amigos with economic resources and volunteers until 1984.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s Casa
de los Amigos and AFSC worked together to bring volunteers to
Mexico from all over the world, principally from the United States
and Canada to participate in service camps.
the 1980’s, the wars in Central America brought thousands of refugees
to Mexico seeking political asylum and a new home. Thanks to Mexico’s
liberal refugee policy, the Casa was able to help many of these refugees
with donations of medicine, food, accommodation, and legal assistance
among other things. The Refugee Program closed in 1994 after a significant
decline in the numbers of refugees arriving in Mexico.
The Flor de Mazahua
Cooperative is a small group of Mazahua women producing traditional
handicrafts. For five years in the 1990’s, Casa
de los Amigos helped the cooperative by offering technical support,
administrative assistance and by marketing their products. In 1998,
the Casa ceased to be directly involved with the cooperative when
they became self-sufficient. Today, some Friends still help with international
marketing.
