Educate a Mexican Child Experiencing Poverty

“Christel House allowed me to expand my horizons, to be self-confident and to know that everything that I dream can be done,” says Mitzi Salinas, a 2012 graduate of Christel House Mexico. When she was only 18 years old, Mitzi launched her dream – and is blazing a trail as an entrepreneur.

Mitzi says the high academic standards at Christel House motivated her to earn a communications degree in college. She describes the creation of Vogma, her online footwear business as a curious event. “I wanted espadrilles (casual canvas sandals), but I couldn't find any to my taste,” she says. Searching, she found a pair she liked but had to commit to purchasing at least a dozen from the supplier. Using her social networks, Mitzi found many interested in buying the same shoes. She recognized an opportunity to créate her own business. Taking orders online, she bought the shoes, then packaged, marketed and sold them. “I’ve done it all on my own,” she says of launching Vogma. While working as an assistant at a law firm, Mitzi saved money and continued her sales, making a profit. “I started little by little,” she admits. “I had to be patient and hardworking.” With a growing base of customers, Mitzi discovered how to propose her own footwear designs. “For that I needed more capital,” she says. With her mother’s help, Mitzi got a bank loan and transitioned from buying shoes from a supplier to working with a local manufacturer, creating and selling her own designs. She continues to improve and grow her online business. “Christel House gave me a solid basis in my life, empowered my skills, and made me a confident woman,” Mitzi says. “Thanks for everyone who makes this wonderful school possible.”

You can see Mitzi’s work and online business, Vogma, at the following link: https://www.vogmamx.com/

After 18 months of remote learning, Christel House Mexico is slowly and safely bringing students back for in-person learning. For 12^th grader Fernanda A., respecting new safety rules to be together with friends and teachers at school is worth it. “We really missed being here at Christel House, our other home.”

Students are returning to the campus in assigned groups. To maintain social distancing the school is using a hybrid schedule, rotating students through a schedule of in-person and remote learning. Safety protocols are a priority. Once classes started, students were made aware of the necessary care to protect themselves, their teachers and classmates according to Gina Reyes, CHMX High School Principal. “All students attend school with a kit, where they bring face masks to change during the day, antibacterial gel and a bag to dispose of their used face masks.” All CHMX teachers and staff are fully vaccinated. While excited to have students back in school, everyone is cautious and careful. “Distance education has been a challenge,” reflects Reyes. “It taught us a lot – resilience, patience, flexibility, and above all the commitment to our community. Christel House has shown us that indeed, nothing is impossible when we put our heart and effort into achieving it. Our students are back in school, we can't wish for anything more.”