ACCESO Project Feature: Mexico

Between 2000 and 2009, we supported several education projects in various regions in Mexico.

We began by providing school supplies, individual bursaries and cafeteria assistance for a desperately needed daily lunch program for a primary and secondary school on the outskirts of the northern city of Saltillo.

We then assisted with extra-curricular learning opportunities through the construction and/or renovation, furnishing and supply replenishment of reading rooms, creativity workshops, homework centres, education-based recreational facilities, playgrounds and summer academic enrichment programs in many locations, including Ayutla, Leon, San Luis Potosi, Guadalajara and the rural village of Codorniz.

Our support for these popular education projects provided thousands of children and youth with an empowering space for reading, writing, imagination, and play through which they developed communication and critical thinking skills and they enhanced their cultural identity. Since some programs focused on gender equality, peace-building, conflict resolution, respectful friendships, and environmental protection, they fostered critical reflection and encouraged community engagement. The resulting positive change was articulated quite impressively and optimistically by a young beneficiary:

If we all united, we can defeat inequality in the world because men and women are equal. If we all put in a little help, the world will be a better place.

Child Participant in Summer Enrichment Program