Fund for Mexican Rural Schools
One of the most serious problems confronting public schools in Mexico is the lack of basic supplies for classrooms. Blackboards, desks, maps, lights, and window glass are often lacking in rural schools, especially those that serve Native American communities. These schools frequently have no access to even the most basic microscope, and no access to computer resources. These schools are often located in rural communities which are growing exponentially and yet have the highest drop-out rates, even at the elementary school level. These rural schools most often serve the lowest income children in Mexico. Contributions are needed in order to provide for basic materials which remain unfunded by the public system.
Archaeological Research and Public Education Fund
MEXECRI also supports projects through the Archaeological Research and Public Education Fund. Currently this fund is dedicated to research on cultural heritage sites with the Comunidad Indígena of Nuevo Parangaricutiro (A Native American -- Purépecha community). This project involves identification of cultural heritage sites, archaeological excavation, protection of cultural heritage sites, preservation of artifacts and public education. Research will continue to be focused on the study of Prehispanic cliff paintings in an ancient caldera during 2005. This project has received start-up funding from The Committee for Research and Exploration (National Geographic), The Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies (FAMSI), and the Foundation for Cultural Exploration. We depend upon public support in order to continue this research. MEXECRI works with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) in all projects.