Nomadic Thoughts - The Personalised Travel Service

New Life Mexico (NLM)

Nomadic Thoughts is the Head Office of New Life Mexico in the UK. In addition to being instrumental in the setting up and running of the charity Nomadic Thoughts covers all UK administrative costs. We are extremely proud of our supportive role and are whole heartedly committed to the future of New Life Mexico's work.

The Mexican Tourist Board have officially recognised and congratulated Nomadic Thoughts for their work with New Life Mexico.

Finding "A New Life"

As part of our continued commitment to responsible tourism Nomadic Thoughts have taken great care in researching which specific local project we could become involved in. As a small privately owned independent tour operator we felt it essential that we source and then supported a project that we could (a) directly get involved with, (b) guarantee that any financial contributions would be 100% directed to the relevant parties.

Nomadic Thoughts have therefore been directly involved with New Life Mexico (NLM) - (Charity No. 1104138 - registered in England & Wales ) since its inception and our offices are the UK Head Office of NLM - with all administration and back services supplied by Nomadic Thoughts staff. We are also extremely proud to be one of the charity's largest sponsors. NLM provides relief to children and young people in Mexico who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused.

We are committed to supporting 'New Life Mexico ' in the long run - we are one of the largest financial sponsors and Jono Vernon-Powell is a Trustee of the charity. Philippa, who has been involved with Nomadic Thoughts since the beginning, is NLM's only Field Officer in Mexico.

For further details please see www.newlifemexico.com.

Our NLM Contribution so far

Whilst offering 'hands on' support and financial donations Nomadic Thoughts have been been directly involved in setting up a 'street children rehabilitation center' with local Mexican social services (DIF) in Puerto Vallarta (a popular tourist destination). NLM's work is centred around the 'rehabilitation of street children' - with a particular emphasis on Education, as well as facilitating the local 'Working Kids', 'Kids at Risk' and 'Pregnant Teenagers' programmes.

The street children whose very existence is sustained through begging are as young as seven. Facing starvation and without family these vulnerable children instantly become targets for drug dealers. To support their habits the children resort to prostituting themselves. With Puerto Vallarta offering one of Central America 's largest tourist locations the horrendous reality is that there are paedophiles only too eager to take advantage of these street children.

The Director of the shelter's limited budget provides the urgent psychological and psychiatric help these children need. Any money remaining covers basic meals and shelter. In short an 'emergency package' for children as they are assisted off the streets. However with direct local intervention our sponsorship, through NLM, has been able to assist the children's long term prospects by focusing on a sustainable education format.

To date Nomadic Thoughts have assisted in the sponsoring of:

• Street Children Rehabilitation Center - NLM have instigated and managed the raising of funds to re-furbish the whole rehabilitation center in Puerto Vallarta . From bed sheets to fridge freezers the 'street shelter' facility has now become one of the most successful 'street rehabilitation projects' of its kind. Children are now receiving treatment for their drug addiction; counselling for their prostitution, food and shelter in a safe environment where they will not be harmed with the newly donated facilities available the small team of dedicated local staff are at last seeing a slow yet progressive change to these children's lives.
• Education - we passionately believe that 'education' is the most powerful tool these children can have for a happy and fulfilling future. The rehabilitation of these 'street children' is therefore focused around providing them with education and related equipment. Many children, who would have missed out on most of their normal schooling, are now attending external schools or being provided with one-to-one teaching, none of which would be possible without the generous financial support given by NLM.
• Fresh Fruit - Nomadic Thoughts have in the past sponsored the annual financing for the provision of two pieces of fresh fruit each day for each homeless/street child in Puerto Vallarta - this will supplement the appropriate levels of vitamins required in their daily diet.
• Healthcare - Nomadic Thoughts have been instrumental in providing vaccinations, X-Rays, blood screening, vitamin programmes and general health checks to the children in care.
• NLM local transport - Nomadic Thought has supplied NLM with their two local trucks.

• UK Marketing & Administration Expenses - Nomadic Thoughts have been instrumental in the promotion of NLM's work with-in the travel trade and throughout the UK. All the charity's UK administration and marketing costs are covered by Nomadic Thoughts.

We are very happy in the understanding that our donations are invested directly. Thus keeping the children off the streets whilst funding their education. The Mexican and US governments are currently investigating a paedophile ring in Puerto Vallarta. Their discussions are a stark reminder to us all of exactly what these children have experienced. Their rehabilitation is obviously a slow process, but the confidence they find in schooling and the new feeling of dignity is an immeasurable benefit.