Historically, Support Teams have played a critical role at Safe Passage, introducing individuals to our mission from far and wide – who often have become our greatest supporters and ambassadors. Additionally, they have provided skills, training, and resources that have enhanced our work on the ground. 

Yet, over the last couple of years, it has become increasingly challenging to receive support teams in the same way that we have for the past 20 years.

Most recently, in late August we made the decision to pause our Support Teams through February, 2025 due to the increased crime and violence in the surrounding areas where Safe Passage operates. The US State Department has issued trip advisory warnings for the zones in which Safe Passage is physically located, and upon several incidents that occurred within close proximity to our sites we decided it was too high of a risk to welcome support teams on campus for a period of time as we increase our safety and security capacity.

In addition to the safety challenges, we also must weigh our capacity to receive visitors while staying focused on our students’ needs and the policies of the Ministry of Education around school visitors and required educational hours within the school year. Our focus over the next year will be to analyze and  rebuild a visitor program that better aligns with Safe Passage’s capacity and where it is heading over the next five years.

What this change means immediately:

• We have paused all support team visits through March 1, 2025.  
• For teams already planned for 2025 or intending to travel in 2026, we will work with your leaders directly to align your trips to our new protocols.
• We will no longer be able to accept youth teams for a week of service, due to the higher risk and limited staffing capacity to coordinate the specific requirements for minors.
• We are able to continue to provide short visits and tours with advanced planning.

During this time we plan to engage in a full assessment of our Support Team program that will allow us to offer meaningful opportunities to engage and connect with staff and our community that meets our organizational objectives and importantly is safe for all participating support team members. 

As a non-profit organization with limited resources, we have looked at the different ways to navigate this new situation. This includes working with several of our partners across different sectors to provide an experience that utilizes each of our strengths and capabilities in the best way.

Your support, commitment to the students and families we work with is highly valued. 

We thank you for your trust in us and for your continued collaboration as part of our community.

Please feel free to contact: outreach@safepassage.org with any questions relating to support teams, volunteers, and visits. Gracias.