Education Mexico Project #49980

Help kids to overcome educational lag in Mexico!

by Ojala Ninos A.C.

Project Report | Jul 6, 2021
Very close to a green light

By Betty Lopez | Project Helper

Hello,

Already half way through 2021 and we are still waiting for a complete green light to reopen classes and work shops with our kids. Many students are either missing or have interuptions with virtual learning. It is very difficult in rural communities such as San Miguel Viejo.

We have been working hard to fill the requirements and regulations that the CDC K-12 Operational Strategy in the United States as well as what Mexican Authorities are recommending to reopen safely.

With your support we have created more open spaces to assure safe distancing. Staff has taken the classes required, installed proper signage and sanitation stations. We require correct use of facemasks at all times. Any member of our Ojala-Ninos team that works in direct contact with the children or their parents, will be required to be vaccinated.

One of the biggest changes will be that each child has to be provided with their own material. Workshops before had a collective of supplies and recycled material the kids were free to use. We have to be careful and approach this differently so we are hoping to provide each child with a "kit". The kit will contain the basic, pencil, scissor, glue, paper, crayons etc.

Although we are an after school learning program, our children thrived on our afternoon activities. Math tutoring, English lessons, Literacy, Social and Environmental Awareness and the workshop where it all started, recycled art!

Throughout this difficult time, with your help we have distributed approximately 1,920 at home activity projects, with a lunch!This is how we have maintained contact with the community we serve and are forever grateful for the support.

Please stay stafe and follow us as we continue to offer opportunity to these young children.

Sincerely

Betty Lopez

Primero la Salud

Distribution

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Mar 12, 2021
recovering from Covid

By Betty Lopez | project helper

Hello,

A year to date we still struggle to recover from Covid. Abiding by all the laws and safety measures we have managed to remain in contact with the children. However brief, we continue to check on their welfare, keep the families informed of the changing restrictions, offer a snack and supply an activity to work on at home. It is bare minumum compared to the many classes and workshops and activities we once could offer and participate in.

We are seeing Covid consequences. Many families in San Miguel Viejo do not have internet. Some barely have electricity. Many kids are losing interest or just cant keep up in their school work. The lack of academic learning and often the only socialization or contact with friends and outside opportunities, has affected, not just the children but the entire the community.

We decided to have an essay contest or a picture drawing contest, depending on the childs age to afford them an opportunity to talk about their experience during this pamdemic. You will see some examples below. They are very telling.

Social connections are important to happiness, health, and feeling connected to society. Lack of these connections and isolation can lead to depression, decreased self esteem, cognitive decline, substance abuse, just to name a few effects that can set in, early on. We are so grateful for your continued support. We are ready, we are anxious, the children are anxious. We are hopjng that April 30th which is Dia Del Nino in Mexico, we can celebrate them the way they deserve to be recognized.

This year we continue with delivery of activities but also we will start using integrated and interactive learning processes, outdoor lessons with health and safety measures, to foster the life-skills needed to prepare the children and improve their critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication and creativity skills.

Ojala Niños is a place to learn; space, materials, ideas and guidance inspire every child to find their joy and their purpose!

Please continue to be safe and kind. On behalf of all the Ojala team, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Betty Lopez

historieta Cindi 14 anos

Tadeo 5 years

Weekly activity

Recycled art

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