GO on the Ground: Visiting Utopía in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
Across the globe, GO Campaign partners are changing the lives of vulnerable children—and on June 27, Liz and I had the privilege of seeing that impact up close. After our inspiring visit to Tashirat, we settled into our Airbnb in Mexico City, grabbed a quick dinner, and prepared for our next adventure: visiting Utopía in Nezahualcóyotl.
Mexico City itself was beautiful—its streets lined with cascading trees and apartment buildings, each with its own character. Coffee shops, restaurants, and street vendors dotted the sidewalks, giving the city a quiet charm despite its industrial pace.
The next morning, Local Hero Jesús Villalobos picked us up and generously drove us over an hour to Utopía. From the car, we watched the urban landscape fade into dirt roads, half-finished houses, and streets scattered with trash. In the distance, Jesús pointed out a massive pile of garbage, left untouched for years, that was finally being cleared thanks to recent changes in local leadership.
Utopía’s mission is to promote the full development and inclusion of children facing significant social and economic challenges. Through education and sports, the organization creates opportunities to learn, grow, and connect—building pathways toward a more integrated, supportive community.
Upon arrival, I mic’d up Jesús for a tour. We explored their facilities, including a new computer lab, gym, classrooms, a boxing ring, and a soccer field. Liz joined the kids as they built towering Lego structures and completed their schoolwork, while I observed and captured content for both GO and Utopía.
We gathered around the boxing ring to watch students—boys and girls of all ages and skill levels—train under Coach César Lozano. From drills to sparring, their focus and skill were impressive. Afterwards, we moved to the soccer field, where another mixed group practiced drills and played a spirited scrimmage.
After the activities, Liz and I spent time chatting with the kids, answering some of their thoughtful and funny questions. We could have stayed longer, but with rain approaching, we needed to leave before the dirt roads turned to mud, posing a risk of flooding and mudslides.
On the drive back, Jesús treated us to a delicious Oaxacan meal at a local restaurant, where we reunited with César and enjoyed one of the best mezcals Liz and I have ever tasted. Full and happy, we said our goodbyes and returned to our apartment, ready for the next leg of our journey: Guatemala City, Sololá, and Antigua.
Visiting Utopía was a powerful reminder of how transformative a safe, nurturing space can be for young people. Thanks to dedicated Local Heroes like Jesús, children in Nezahualcóyotl gain more than skills and education—they gain confidence, community, and hope for the future. We’re especially grateful to Jesús, not only for driving us to and from Utopía, but also for treating Liz and me to a wonderful dinner. Our time with the children left a lasting impression—one we found ourselves reflecting on throughout our trip in Latin America. Though our visit was brief, its impact will continue to stay with us.