For over 7 years, the Downtown San Diego Rotary Club has proudly supported the Poco a Poco Community Center in San Pedro Itzicán, contributing nearly $25,000 to life-changing programs!
By partnering directly on the ground with the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club, we ensure every dollar is maximized for maximum community impact. Thanks to this shared dedication, 2026 was a historic year of growth for the community center:
- Nutrition: Serving 150–220 children healthy meals and drinks every weekday.
- Health & Wellness: Newly completed medical and dental suites now host partners providing first aid, dental, eye care, medication support, hemodialysis assistance, and government paperwork navigation.
- Education & Empowerment: Empowering youth and adults through literacy/math tutoring, English instruction, vocational training, and specialized activities for individuals with different abilities.
San Pedro Itzicán is said to have the highest rate of CKDnt and childhood kidney disease per capita in the world, marked by 71 currently identified kidney disease patients, 25 transplant recipients, and 110 recorded deaths—predominantly affecting children and young adults. The crisis is driven by a complex combination of genetic factors, severe malnutrition, chronic dehydration, and heavy environmental exposure to pesticides, trash, and unclean water sources like the local lake. Diet has a huge impact on health. That is why Poco a Poco started feeding the children a nutritious meal and providing renal care. In 2026, medical and dental offices were completed, bringing care right into the community.
Together, we’re showing what Rotary international partnerships can achieve—step by step, poco a poco!
Sources:
Kidney Disease Incidence in San Pedro Itzicán
Poco a Poco San Pedro Itzicán Newsletter · October 2026