Visit to the Adult Literacy Program, November 29, 2013
On Saturday, November 29, our coordinator, Carmen, and I visited our adult literacy program. Although the program has been in effect for over 3 years, it was the first time I had visited. It's a 2 hour mountainous trip from San Cristobal de Las Casas and transportation can be problematic and is very expensive due to horrible road conditions.
The small community is in an idyllic location. We first went to Vicky's house. She originally proposed the program, is herself a scholarship recipient, and also runs the Children's Program in Ocosingo. Banana and peach trees and lush foliage surround her house, somewhat disguising the poverty. The municipality of Chanal, where the community is located, is one of 28 municipalities in Chiapas designated as "extreme poverty."
The women in the program, about 15 of them, were waiting to talk with me.
I met the teacher, Profe Martín, who has always sent us detailed program reports. After listening to him talk, I realized the extent of his challenge and the depth of his dedication. First, he lives in San Cristobal and makes the long, expensive trip every weekend. He teaches the 3 hour class usually on Saturdays. Second, there are multiple levels represented in the class. This is a class certified by the government, uses government materials, and must fulfill all government requirements.
The students progress by modules until they complete the requirements for a primary certificate. Juana, a woman about 45, is the first to fulfill these requirements. She told us, "For me, it is very important to continue learning; to know more things, to keep my eyes open." Juana (pictured below, left) has now started the course of study for the secondary (grades 6-9) certificate.
Four others are within 2 modules of achieving their primary certificates.
Other comments:
Josefina: "I want to be able to help my children with their studies."
María: ¨Before, with my kids, I had no time. But now I can study."
Esperanza: "For me, I just want to learn to read and write."
Candalaria: "As an adult, I have many obligations in the house. But
with this program I can progress at my own rate."
The program started with 27 students, both women and men.All continued until the unavoidable one semester break in the spring of 2013, due to the government materials being unavailable. 25 returned to the program as of August, 2013. Four new students have joined, bringing the total up to 29.
And, Mujeres' Supporters, read this last comment to have an idea of your impact.
Josefina: "Thank you for visiting and for all the support you have given us. This is the first time anyone has paid attention to education for adults in this community, and especially to education for women."
It was such a privilege to have visited these women. I am so grateful ... to them, to the Mujeres' Board, and to all of you. It is the best holiday gift I could have possibly received.
Judith
The small community is in an idyllic location. We first went to Vicky's house. She originally proposed the program, is herself a scholarship recipient, and also runs the Children's Program in Ocosingo. Banana and peach trees and lush foliage surround her house, somewhat disguising the poverty. The municipality of Chanal, where the community is located, is one of 28 municipalities in Chiapas designated as "extreme poverty."
The women in the program, about 15 of them, were waiting to talk with me.
I met the teacher, Profe Martín, who has always sent us detailed program reports. After listening to him talk, I realized the extent of his challenge and the depth of his dedication. First, he lives in San Cristobal and makes the long, expensive trip every weekend. He teaches the 3 hour class usually on Saturdays. Second, there are multiple levels represented in the class. This is a class certified by the government, uses government materials, and must fulfill all government requirements.
Profe Martín (center) |
Four others are within 2 modules of achieving their primary certificates.
Other comments:
Josefina: "I want to be able to help my children with their studies."
María: ¨Before, with my kids, I had no time. But now I can study."
Juana |
Candalaria: "As an adult, I have many obligations in the house. But
with this program I can progress at my own rate."
The program started with 27 students, both women and men.All continued until the unavoidable one semester break in the spring of 2013, due to the government materials being unavailable. 25 returned to the program as of August, 2013. Four new students have joined, bringing the total up to 29.
And, Mujeres' Supporters, read this last comment to have an idea of your impact.
Josefina: "Thank you for visiting and for all the support you have given us. This is the first time anyone has paid attention to education for adults in this community, and especially to education for women."
It was such a privilege to have visited these women. I am so grateful ... to them, to the Mujeres' Board, and to all of you. It is the best holiday gift I could have possibly received.
Judith