IT’S THE WORST CHILD REFUGEE CRISIS
SINCE WWII. KIDS MEDIA IS STEPPING UP.
Since 2017 Kids Entertainment Professionals for Young Refugees, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is where our community comes together in support of the 50 million children worldwide displaced by war, ethnic and gang violence, natural disasters, and crushing poverty. Through live and online educational and fundraising events we raise awareness and critical support for these most vulnerable children, from food, clothing, and shelter to medical, psychosocial, and educational services.
There are many ways you can be part of the KEPYR community. Your tax deductible donations are always gratefully appreciated. They help us in expanding our educational outreach and in the production of our fundraising events. Or write to us at info@kepyr.org for volunteer opportunities. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (links below) and share our posts on your social media. Sign up for our mailing list below to access the latest news on our various activities, events, and campaigns. Thank you for your support!
FOCUS 2025
NORTHERN TRIANGLE REFUGEE CRISIS
SITUATION OVERVIEW
WHO: 260,000 Central American refugee children
WHY: Gang violence, political unrest and poverty
NEEDS: Food, water, medical care, education, family reunification, child-safe spaces, psychosocial support
Food insecurity, corruption and gang violence in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador (collectively dubbed the “Northern Triangle'') have forced over 600,000 people on a perilous journey to uncertain safety in neighboring countries. Armed gangs often target young children who refuse to join in criminal activity, driving thousands to leave in search of safety – often unaccompanied. Upon reaching the US or Mexico, these children and their families further encounter immense anxiety and challenges: language barriers, uncertain legal status, overwhelmed support systems, and the trauma of family separations at the border.
In the limbo of life in shelters as they wait to be granted asylum, these children rely on humanitarian aid groups for their basic needs and protection.
OUR CALL TO ACTION
Non-profit organization La Jugarreta operates a wide network of child-safe spaces offering psychosocial support for forcibly displaced children through play and the arts. As the kids media industry knows all too well, it is through play that children develop, grow and understand the world. According to the latest research from the Trauma Research Foundation, spaces that provide psychosocial support can have a far-reaching impact on children’s capacity to heal from countless forms of traumatic experiences.
This June, our Kindred Spirits 2024 campaign for Refugee Awareness Month will support La Jugarreta’s urgent and important work for refugee children at the Mexico-US border.