three nuns and man stand in front of a presentation
Our supporter Enrique with Sr Margarita, Sr Elena and Sr Maria of the Sisters of Mary

Visiting Chalco Girlstown, Mexico

“As a born Mexican I was drawn to the work of World Villages for Children and particularly Father Al’s mission in Mexico. I was profoundly moved when I had the chance to visit La Villa de las Niñas in Chalco for the first time back in 1999. I was impressed by the professional and caring outlook of the Sisters, the discipline of the girls and the educational institution they had created. It was my first experience to witness the work of a charity, physically seeing how every penny of every donation is wisely spent in a good cause, and in a very efficient fashion.

It was also a humbling experience to be received like a great friend, just because of my random and modest contributions. Thus, when life gave me the opportunity to undertake major feats of sporting endurance like running marathons, or swimming the English Channel in 2007, I did not hesitate to dedicate their charity appeal to the Sisters and World Villages for Children. I am proud to be somehow associated with their endeavours.”

Seeing lives transformed

“When visiting the schools, which I have done regularly over the years, we have always been well received by the Sisters and children, and with a generosity that for me far exceeds the modest economic contributions I have been able to make through the years. I have found the experience humbling, seeing the transformation of so many of these poorest children from my country into such a happy and fulfilled state. Able to enjoy lessons and learning all the skills they will need to find a good job after school. It was overwhelming and continues to make me smile knowing that my help will always be well received, and well used with the Sisters of Mary. It is intensely rewarding.”

“As a supporter, I have been privileged to see the fruit of the Sisters mission: met with children who turned into young adults with a defined moral backbone and fit to engage with the economy, do their part in breaking the vicious circle of extreme poverty where they came from. I am honoured to somehow be associated with their achievement.”

Enrique Flores Long term supporter & Ambassador

Fundraising to support the children at the Sisters of Mary schools

Enrique decided to use his passion for challenges like open water swimming and mountain climbing to raise awareness and funds to support the Sisters’ work, especially after seeing the impact of their work in Mexico, his home country.

Through many events over the past years,  including English Channel swimming and marathons, Enrique has taken the opportunity to spread the word about the life-changing work of the Sisters of Mary and gather support through donations to ensure more poor children can access a free quality education.

In November 2025, Enrique took on his biggest challenge yet by swimming ‘El Reto Acapulco’ – a 22 km marathon swim around Acapulco Bay. Enrique raised almost £7000 for World Villages for Children!

Read more about Enrique's Acapulco swim
December 2023

Climbing Mexico's third highest mountain for World Villages for Children

In December 2023, our dedicated supporter, Enrique Flores, climbed Mt Iztaccíhuatl, just outside of Mexico City.

Enrique is a long time supporter of World Villages for Children and wanted to use his physical challenge as an opportunity to help raise awareness of poverty in Mexico and other countries where World Villages operates. He also used the climb as a way to inspire people to donate and join us on our mission to end poverty through education. Enrique’s challenge raised £4,400!

Read more about the challenge using the button below.

Iztaccihuatl challenge

“It is uplifting to see the contrast from the hell of the streets of Chalco to the piece of paradise that the Sisters and the staff at World Villages for Children are building here on earth.”

Enrique Long term supporter & Ambassador
Enrique in hiking/mountain climbing gear whilst high on a mountain
A group of smiling students
Enrique talking to students alongside a nun
Enrique standing on a stage giving a speech with a microphone in hand
A man wearing a jacket with the word "Mexico" on it standing in front of a harbour
A man swimming in the open sea with a coastline in front of him
Enrique hugging a man on top of a mountain
Enrique posing on the side of a mountain while another person descends behind him
map navigation chart
Channel swim certificate of completion
a group of nuns with a supporter sitting in two lines facing the camera
a man stands next to a nun smiling at the camera
a man exits the water after swimming the English Channel
A man swimming towing a drybag
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