MIGRATION IN EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, AND MEXICO

Delivering care and raising awareness for children and families

Across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, thousands of people embark on migration journeys in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future for their families.

Through the Weaving Paths program, SOS Children's Villages works alongside children, families and communities to help make these journeys safer and more informed.

Weaving Paths raises awareness about the risks associated with migration; provides immediate care and protection for people on the move—particularly children who are separated, unaccompanied, or otherwise vulnerable; and strengthens communities hosting migrants by promoting understanding, inclusion and access to essential services.

By connecting people with information, support and protection, Weaving Paths helps ensure that children and families can navigate migration with greater safety, dignity, and hope.

If you are currently on the move, or returning to your community, Weaving Paths is here for you

Through the Weaving Paths program, you can access information about migration risks and your rights, receive guidance on available services, and connect with support tailored to your needs.

Depending on your situation, assistance may include:

• emergency shelter
• food and water
• hygiene supplies
• emotional and psychosocial support
• family tracing and reunification services
• legal orientation
• referrals to health care, education, and other essential resources.

Separated and unaccompanied children are welcomed into a safe home where they remain together with their siblings in cases where they have migrated together and receive loving, tailored support from a caregiver.

Vulnerable families are provided with immediate support, like emergency and hygiene kits to meet urgent needs.

Families and children are provided with psychosocial support to help recover from traumas endured while migrating.

Families and caregivers receive holistic support tailored for their unique needs—like economic empowerment, education and more—so they can meet their needs and reintegrate into their community.

Young people receive employability and entrepreneurship training to earn a sustainable living and settle in the country.

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, access the support you need, and build a safer, more stable future for yourself and your loved ones.

If you are currently on the move, or returning to your community, Weaving Paths is here for you

Through the Weaving Paths program, you can access information about migration risks and your rights, receive guidance on available services, and connect with support tailored to your needs.

Depending on your situation, assistance may include:

Vulnerable families are provided with immediate support, like emergency and hygiene kits to meet urgent needs.

Families and children are provided with psychosocial support to help recover from traumas endured while migrating.

Young people receive employability and entrepreneurship training to earn a sustainable living and settle in the country.

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, access the support you need, and build a safer, more stable future for yourself and your loved ones.

How community members can support migrating people

Communities play a vital role in ensuring that children and families on the move are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

Many people migrate in search of safety or opportunity—but the journey can come with serious risks:

• Migrating people face violence, exploitation, extortion, trafficking and forced labor.

• Smugglers often promise safety and success, misleading people about the true dangers ahead.

• Nearly half of migrating people experience violence, and gender-based violence is a significant risk.

As a community member, you can help create safer and more welcoming environments by learning about the realities of migration, sharing accurate information about available services, and supporting efforts that promote inclusion and understanding.

Whether by participating in awareness activities, connecting families to local resources, or simply extending empathy to those facing difficult circumstances, every action can make a difference.

Informed communities can save lives. Together, we can help ensure that children and families navigating migration find the support and protection they need.

How community members can support migrating people

Communities play a vital role in ensuring that children and families on the move are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

Many people migrate in search of safety or opportunity—but the journey can come with serious risks:

• Migrating people face violence, exploitation, extortion, trafficking and forced labor.

• Smugglers often promise safety and success, misleading people about the true dangers ahead.

• Nearly half of migrating people experience violence, and gender-based violence is a significant risk.

Whether by participating in awareness activities, connecting families to local resources, or simply extending empathy to those facing difficult circumstances, every action can make a difference.

Informed communities can save lives. Together, we can help ensure that children and families navigating migration find the support and protection they need.

Before you migrate, know the risks

If you are thinking about migrating, it is important to understand both the opportunities and the challenges that may lie ahead. Weaving Paths provides reliable information, guidance, and support to help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Potential risks during migration
• Exposure to violence, exploitation, extortion, and human trafficking.
• Separation from family members and support networks.
• Limited access to food, shelter, health care, and legal assistance while in transit.
• Misinformation about migration routes, legal processes, and available services.

Unique challenges for children
• Separation from parents, siblings or caregivers.
• Greater risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking and recruitment by criminal groups.
• Emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, and disruptions to healthy development.
• Interrupted education and reduced access to health and protection services.

Challenges when returning home
• Difficulty finding employment and rebuilding financial stability.
• Emotional stress related to unmet expectations, family separation or traumatic experiences.
• Challenges re-entering school, accessing services or obtaining documentation.
• Limited access to housing, health care, and other essential resources needed to start again.

Before making any decisions, seek trusted information, understand your rights, and learn about the support services available to you and your family. Making informed choices can help reduce risks and improve your safety and well-being, wherever your journey leads.

Before you migrate, know the risks

Potential risks during migration
• Exposure to violence, exploitation, extortion, and human trafficking.
• Limited access to food, shelter, health care, and legal assistance while in transit.
• Misinformation about migration routes, legal processes and available services.

Challenges returning home
• Difficulty finding employment and rebuilding financial stability.
• Challenges re-entering school, accessing services or obtaining documentation.
• Limited access to housing, health care, and other essential resources needed to start again.

Making informed choices can help reduce risks and improve your safety and well-being, wherever your journey leads.

A regional solution to a regional crisis

Weaving Paths operates across El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, creating a network of protection for vulnerable children. SOS teams collaborate closely to share best practices, build local child-protection capacities and provide children and families with the support they need to build brighter futures.