San Pablito may be lacking many things, but it has an abundance of bright, independant, delightful children. There are close to 1,000 children enrolled in the local schools, making school children 20% of the town's entire population.

This past school year, the Parents' Committee decided to form the first high school, paying the teacher out of their own pockets. Up until this time, kids had to attend school outside of the community at private schools if they wanted anything beyond junior high school.

The bilingual elementary school began as a two room, one outhouse facility on the outskirts of town. Some six years ago children were first given this bridge between the Ñañhu language spoken at home and the official school curriculum. Until then they had simply struggled and often dropped out of school forever. The school is now a six room facility with real indoor plumbing. More and more parents are sending their children here every year.

The community has shown exceptional initiative in overcoming the obstacles that face indigenous children seeking an education in Mexico. Still, only a dozen or so residents currently hold degrees. Education and training are crucial to the self-determination and advancement of this community.

The bilingual elementary school is awaiting the much needed expansion to accomodate more young students. A high school has yet to be built here, but classes are already being taught.

We are currently looking for support for these schools and for these students. If you can provide any of the following, please contact us at: kering@earthlink.net

  • School supplies - computers and computer supplies, which will be used at a central resource room on the main plaza, pencils, notebooks, educational videos and video players, globes, microscopes, books in Spanish, etc.
  • Pen pals - Spanish students and Spanish speaking students, especially other indigenous people. Please contact Maestra Leticia Escarcega at caescar@yahoo.com
  • Children's Vitamins - Chewable vitamins with 100% of vitamin A make a big difference in children's development and keeps them healthy and alert to get the most out of school.

Children here are bright, imaginative and independant enough to both help in family chores and invent their own toys, such as this hot air baloon.

 

  • We are also seeking support for an exchange program between US colleges and high school graduates from San Pablito. While here, the student from San Pablito would make cultural presentations and attend Native American events as well as plan a community development project with other students to be carried out by all of them in San Pablito. Please contact us at: kering@earthlink.net
Families in SanPablito may not have a great deal of material wealth, but they work hard to take care of their children and support their local schools.