Our partners in Argentina
Madre Tierra
A local institution
Founded in 1985, Madre Tierra is a social organization deeply rooted in the western part of Greater Buenos Aires (municipalities of Morón, Moreno, Merlo, Ituzaingó). When it was founded, it responded to social emergencies (floods, housing crisis) and developed a long-term project: access to decent housing.
Over the decades, it has strengthened its presence in working-class neighborhoods, initiated participatory processes with families, and developed important infrastructure.
Since 2019, the organization has expanded its role and fully integrated the promotion and defense of children’s rights into its territorial work.
Mission and Identity
Madre Tierra’s original mission goes far beyond mere construction: it aims to create a holistic living space where housing, services, civic participation, and social justice go hand in hand. The NGO pursues a cross-generational approach: children, young people, and families are significantly involved in the projects.
Madre Tierra’s original mission goes far beyond mere construction: it aims to create a harmonious living space where housing, services, civic participation, and social justice go hand in hand. The NGO pursues a cross-generational approach: children, young people, and families are actively involved in the projects.
Daily measures, anchoring in the community
- Improving living space: self-build, microloans, support from architects and social workers.
- Basic infrastructure: Establishment and improvement of drinking water supply, sewage disposal, lighting, and sidewalks to ensure a safe environment for everyone, including children.
- Community participation and gender equality: “Mujeres Constructoras” (Women Builders) projects to train women in construction and local project management.
- Community centers: Creating spaces for exchange, culture, play, and education in working-class neighborhoods.
- Advocacy: Participation in public policy networks on the right to housing (e.g., Housing Access Act) and development of sustainable and inclusive solutions.
Children’s rights
Madre Tierra has recently stepped up its efforts to promote the rights of children and young people:
- Literacy campaign for children: One of the aims of the “Carrera Solidaria 2025” (Solidarity Run 2025) is to promote literacy among girls and boys by setting up libraries for children and young people.
- Safe spaces for children and young people: In the El Milenio and Los Hornos neighborhoods of Moreno, the NGO has set up community centers that offer childcare, leisure activities, and opportunities for children, young people, and families to interact.
Desarrollo y Autogestión (DyA)
A dedicated regional organization
Desarrollo y Autogestión (DyA – in English, “Development and Self-Management”) is a Latin American non-governmental organization that promotes social development and human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of children and young people.
The organization works closely with communities, public institutions, and partners to contribute to sustainable change in the areas where it operates.
Mission and Identity
DyA’s mission is based on a core belief:
Children, young people, and communities must be agents of their own development.
DyA’s work is based on the following principles:
- Promotion of human rights,
- Citizen participation,
- Equity for all,
- Empowering the community.
Young people play a central role in this vision: their participation is seen as an essential lever for change and sustainability.
Daily measures, anchoring in the community
Rights of children and young people
DyA develops measures that focus on the following areas:
- Promotion of the rights of children and young people,
- Prevention of violence,
- Combating child labor,
- Strengthening their participation in community and civic life.
Cooperation with the communities
The organization works with communities to:
- Strengthen local capacities,
- Promote access to rights,
- Support community organizations
- Promote sustainable collective dynamics.
Representation of interests and cooperation with public actors
DyA also works with institutions, authorities, and partners to contribute to the development and implementation of more equitable and inclusive public policies, particularly for the benefit of children and young people.
