which unfortunately was forced to close in 2004 after one year of operations due to lack of funding.
Alex attended the America Maya School when he was 3 years old ;
which unfortunately was forced to close in 2004 after one year of operations
due to lack of funding.
May 2008: Alex, now age 8, is on target to complete first grade this year. He loves being back and school and now is the first in his family to read and write. His 5 year old sister is now enrolled in Kindergarten for August 2008 as well. His family continues to struggle economically. The foundation provides funds for his educational supplies and will do so for his sister. Although public education is free here, the school supplies are not. His mother, Cristina, is provided an area in Ajua Maya Restaurant rent free to sell her jewelry and craft in order to help them economically. Brenda and Jorge also ensure their family's medical needs are taken care along with the help of Dr. Francisco Aguirre and Dr. Manuel Peniche. August 2007: Alex's family finally were able to get his birth certificate with the help of private donations, which provided the traveling expenses for the family to return to San Juan Chamula for a month. Upon their return to Playa del Carmen, he was enrolled him in first grade in public school. Erika Eddy, one of Ajua Events employees, volunteered many hours of her personal time to help Alex with his homework since his parent's could not read or write. The foundation provided funds for his school supplies. 2003: Alex and his family are Chumula Maya Indians from the mountains in Chiapas where life has few opportunities for members of this strong, united and industrious Indian community.They moved to Playa del Carmen to sell their native craft on the beaches and streets of Playa del Carmen, living life day by day. His first language is Tzotzil, a Mayan dialect, and in the America Maya Preschool, he was learning English and Spanish. Through his education, the vision of his future and that of his parent’s have changed to one of continued servitude to illiteracy to one of hope through education. Now that hope is almost extinguished unless we can find sponsorship to obtain his birth certificate. Alex is an intelligent little boy who needs help, not only with education but with nutritional and health needs as well. He attended the America Maya Preschool, along with this cousin Marcos, age 3. What a gift to give - education. We wish to thank those who supported the America Maya Mission school and for helping these families and students earn a different life. |