Educate and Empower Girls in Mexico

Dear GlobalGivers, 

You have met Melanie on camera, one of the many empowered girls who is still in school thanks to your support, and you have seen Pepe and Lucy, key educational figures for changing attitudes and norms in indigenous Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo. Now, the program is getting close to standing on its own two feet!

These past few months, parents from across 15 schools have been bringing into their homes the attitudes and behaviors their daughters have started to adopt at school. For the first time, moms and dads expect their daughters to stay in school, and they see the value of their daughters´ education. They are even encouraging their daughters to speak up in class and be active participants in their community. Just think what this community will look like in a few years as a result! 

At the same time, week in and week out the teachers continue to replicate the program activities with their students, teaching them new life skills and implementing new methodologies for gender-equality in the classroom. And our field staff are there with them each step of the way, giving feedback and support as the teachers develop ownership over this new approach. In the photo you can see how some girls get excited from the start and others take longer to engage, which is why teachers need skills to reach both groups simultaneously.

You are the reason that girls in Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo are now aspiring to be doctors, accountants and designers. And you are the reason why they have persevered and stayed in school, moving from primary school to secondary school, to make these dreams a reality. 

With gratitude, 

Yo quiero Yo puedo  

Dear GlobalGivers,

How do girls learn about autonomy when the national school system focuses on memorization and repetition? Through reading and talking about stories, and not just any stories, but the stories of Lucy and Pepe. These characters have become beloved household names in the communities where Yo quiero Yo puedo works. And they are a key part of Yo quiero Yo puedo´s experiential learning approach.

When we write to you about such life skills as assertive communication, self-awareness and critical thinking that are critical for human and community development, these concepts may sound abstract. But join the girls in Acaxochitlán, Hidalgo to listen to stories about the day to day experiences of Pepe and Lucy and how they navigate their days, and it all becomes tangible.

One teacher told us: “it's the most innovative thing I've heard and I would like more stories and... more activities like it. For example, I worked with my students on the issue of autonomy and the stories are so clear… and explicit".

Another teacher said: "The kids ask for them: “Hey, teacher, tomorrow could we again …", for them it is all about Pepe and Lucy. They say: “let's see Pepe and Lucy again!” And the support we teachers get from Yo quiero Yo puedo is fantastic… the facilitator came after I took the workshop and he observed me in the classroom and his feedback was ´you express yourself clearly to the children, it gives them the power to participate.´ ”

We continue to bring new content to the teachers, and thank you for your continued support of this program that is transforming communities.

Our deepest thanks,
Yo quiero Yo puedo

Ps- Don´t speak Spanish and wondering how to pronounce our name? It is said like Yo kiero yo poo-edo.