| Jaime Torrez Bodet Elementary School This is a newly constructed school on the outskirts of a rural community, in Nuevo Parangaricutiro. The community has grown substantially over the past 20 years and this school was built to serve the population in a newly established neighborhood that has very few services (lack of access to running water or sewage). This school serves a population of students who may be relatively new to the community. Many of their parents have arrived in the community to seek work. The teachers in this school have identified many basic needs. The principal classroom has a blackboard, but several other classrooms have no desks and a dirt floor that floods in the rainy season. This school has requested assistance for basic supplies and equipment. |
Lazaro Cárdenas Elementary School This is an older school in the rural community of Arandín. Arandín is located near the community of Nuevo Parangaricutiro. Many of the students from this community work in local agriculture on ejido lands or work picking the avocados on nearby plantations. The students here need basic supplies in their classrooms, although desks are available in all of the Arandín classrooms. The teachers in this school have identified needs for audiovisual equipment. |
| Colegio de Bachilleres, Nuevo Parangaricutiro In Mexico, only elementary education (through the 6th grade) is required. This is a public high school which seeks to prepare students for technical college and professional careers. This school lacks basic science laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, lamps, desks, computers, and audiovisual equipment. The teachers are especially requesting support to purchase a multimedia projector. This school has an almost 40% drop-out rate, as students are frequently unable to continue in school due to economic pressures and the perception that their education is not sufficiently supported with the necessary facilities and equipment. |
Your Contributions Your contributions can make a difference. There are two ways that you can help. ONE. A direct tax-deductible contribution is the easiest way to support the schools. You can designate your contribution for a particular school or for general support. In addition, funds are needed for MEXECRI's general operating expenses (We operate with a volunteer staff.). Send your contributions to:MEXECRI, 95 Fitchville Road, Bozrah, CT 06334. TWO. MEXECRI will accept donations of equipment in working order that can be shipped to Michoacán for each school. Special permits will be obtained from the Mexican government to facilitate the shipping and donation of equipment. Contact MEXECRI before shipping any equipment, so that we can be sure that the equipment is in working order and that we have the funds to transfer the equipment to the schools. |
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Rural Public Schools in Michoacán, Mexico
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.
Through the Fund for Mexican Rural Schools, MEXECRI works with Mexican teachers and parents to make the contributions that you provide meet the needs identified in each school. Concrete results will be documented for each school assisted through this program. For 2005, three schools in the state of Michoacán, Mexico were selected for funding. Michoacán has the highest rate of migration to the United States. Many of the students from these schools have parents who work as migrant workers in the U.S. Hopefully, through the support provided by this fund, the improvements provided for students will reduce drop-out rates and encourage students to continue with their education. Below is a brief description of each school.