May 2024

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

Our previous update referenced the fact that many high school students who may be hardworking, bright and willing do not receive the level of education they desire due to the limitations of the education system (overcrowded schools, limited curriculum, limited resources, overworked teachers) and their own economic constraints. It is Liga MAC’s mission to bridge the gap between students and their educational goals. Every year Liga MAC provides educational support for about 300 students based on need and ability. The process to select students for the program is open to all and will evolve over the next two months.

As the school year moves towards a close and our graduates prepare for life beyond high school, Liga MAC staff will be organizing counselling and information sessions to help graduates navigate post secondary options including scholarship opportunities. Those students moving from middle school to high school will be able to attend, together with their parents, an informational symposium with representatives from the 5 San Jose high schools to review entrance requirements.

One Liga MAC program, Agents of Change, will continue into the summer while the remaining programs are wrapping up for the year. Our new ESL pilot program has been very successful and will be evaluated for continuation next school year.

The seasonal shift of snowbirds back to their summer pursuits means that the events and venues manned by Liga MAC’s hardworking volunteers will be on summer hiatus. But plans are already in place for next season’s fundraisers and activities.

System Profile: Educational Support Program Application Process

The process to select worthy students for Liga MAC’s student support program begins in mid April with submission of candidate applications. Information about where and how to apply is circulated through the school system, broadcasted via digital news and radio and advertised in printed form at shopping centres, bus-stops and other public venues. Application forms are available online and must be submitted in person together with supporting documents. The process which may sound daunting is made more palatable by video instructions, application printouts available at the Liga MAC Learning Centre as well as multi-media advertising campaigns informing candidates of the process.

Applications are open to all students entering Grade 7 to Grade 12. However, the greatest number of openings are in the lower grades allowing students to receive the full benefit of Liga MAC support as they progress to graduation. This year Liga MAC is looking to accept new 48 Grade 7 students and 30 more to fill spaces between 8 to 12 grade. Applications for high school are accepted but on a waitlist basis.

The selection process which begins in mid June includes an entrance exam and interview before a final selection is made in mid July. Once selected the candidate and his or her family or guardians will attend interactive seminars and be required to sign a contract with Liga MAC. Students who apply and are accepted into Liga MAC’s educational support program in Grade 7 are entitled to continue on to graduation from high school provided they show economic need and commit to:

• maintaining an 8.5/10.0 GPA or greater
• 90% attendance for Liga MAC programs
• regularly attending school classes

Parents or guardians must also commit to volunteering with Liga MAC and to being actively involved in their child’s education. Once a student and his or her family are accepted, Liga MAC commits to supplying uniforms, school supplies, tuition fees, counselling, support programs, and when necessary medical and basic needs support. The program package is a complete one and students vie not only for the opportunity to be accepted into the educational support program but also to stay in the program. Each year a number of new students are accepted as program participants graduate from Grade 12, students are dropped due to not fulfilling their commitments to Liga MAC and/or when students move away from the area.

To understand the application and selection process we will follow two student candidates and their families over the coming months:

Submission # 1 – Single mother, Ana, sought help from Liga MAC after arriving recently from Mexico City. Ana has twins who will be entering Grade 10 in August. Unfortunately, she does not yet have employment but retrained in the information technology sector. Ana has been diagnosed with the auto-immune disease Lupus and will not have IMSS health insurance coverage until she finds employment. The family does receive assistance from the father of one of the 3 older children. One of the obstacles facing the twins is the fact that they are applying for a position in Grade 10 where most of the educational support program positions are already taken. However, Liga MAC turns away no one in true need. Once their application form is completed and submitted they will receive a ticket for their orientation meeting and must also pass the qualifying exam and interview.

Submission #2 – Camila Guadalupe, a Grade 8 student, is one of 3 children being raised by their widowed mother Karina. The mother is a self employed cook who makes empanadas from her home in La Ballena Colonia near the San Jose airport. Camila will enter Technica 14 school in August. She has now completed and submitted her application and received a ticket for her orientation meeting on Saturday, June 22.

Student Support Programs

Self-Esteem and Social Skills Workshop – Liga MAC staff member, Consuelo Espinosa, facilitates the confidence building workshop for Grade 7 students. Originally slated to finish at the end of April, Consuelo has decided to extend the program for 3 more sessions spaced 2 weeks apart. Assisted by volunteer Amparo Zuluaga, the workshop will include board games designed to build social skills.

Agents of Change – The program is conducted in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club and jointly facilitated. The 43 Grade 9 Liga MAC students involved in the program must research and prepare a community project to be delivered in mid July. The students will be working with their Spanish tutors (Spanish and Math Tutor program) to prepare and execute the presentation.

Spanish and Mathematics Tutoring – Facilitated by the professional teachers from Centro Pedagogico del Valle, 120 Grade 7, 8 and 9 grade students grouped according to their abilities participate in Math and Spanish extracurricular studies. Spanish classes include the reading out loud of contemporary novels while also concentrating on writing and spelling skills. The program will terminate at the end of the school year.

[Watch Video: Spanish and Mathematics Tutoring]

English As a Second Language, Pilot Program – Volunteer teacher, Juan Carlos Cotamo, has been pleased with the results of his test program. The pilot program seeks to raise the level of English language comprehension and execution amongst its participants by continuing classes throughout the school year. Although the comprehension level has been very low, Juan Carlos has made good progress and is thankful for the help he has received from native speaking volunteers.

[Watch Video: English As a Second Language]

“Alas” Critical Thinking – Facilitated by volunteer Yessica Guillen, this workshop encourages the 13 Liga MAC participants to set aside their cell phones and concentrate on thinking, analyzing, questioning and self analysis. Participants meet once per week until the termination of the school year.

Alas & Águilas – The co-ed self-awareness and sexuality programs will be facilitated by therapist, Heddy Villasenor. The 5 Saturday morning sessions will begin May 11 and end on the final Saturday morning with a conference for parents and students.

Volunteer Activities and Events

San Jose Organic Market, Palmilla Organic Market & Liga MAC Donation Centre – With the bulk of our volunteers returning to their summer homes, there will not be a Liga MAC presence at the organic markets for the remainder of this season but participation will resume in November. The Liga MAC Donation Centre closed for the season with a big “clearance day” on Saturday, May 4; however donations are always accepted and can be made by contacting: Sonia Trujillo at Mobile/WhatsApp +1(624)224-2676.

World Wide Technologies PGA Golf Tournament – After the success of the first PGA tournament held in Los Cabos, November 2 – 5, 2023, sponsor World Wide Technologies has pledged to renew the tournament in 2024. Liga MAC had one of the largest contingent of volunteers at the tournament and has committed to supplying volunteers again in 2024. If you are interested in volunteering for Liga MAC at the WWT PGA tournament in November 7-10, 2024, please contact Maria Lindenberg at sjdmena@gmail.com.

Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila – Another wildly successful event held this January, the TTT fundraising event benefitting Liga MAC will be reprised early in 2025. Host, chef, restauranteur Tadd Chapman is planning an even bigger event for next year at his event centre, Baja Luna. Look for more information later this year.

Parting Comments

Perhaps the most important and labour intensive part of Liga MAC’s year occurs when its volunteers, donors and board members are not present. The tasks of recruitment and processing of Liga MAC’s education support program students, it’s “raison d’etre”, falls to Liga MAC’s 4 staff members. The 4 month long procedure which includes receiving applications, processing applications, interviewing, testing, conducting orientations, and dispersing uniform vouchers, school supplies and tuition fees will be conducted for the first time in one location – the Liga MAC Learning Centre! A busy time to be sure but a purposeful and exciting time as graduates who have been with Liga MAC for up to 6 years move to the next stage of their lives and shy, hopeful 13 year olds are welcomed into the Liga MAC family.

With anticipation and optimism,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

March 2024

Dear Friends of Liga MAC

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

Despite the fact that education in Mexico is available to all, there are still barriers for some students especially those at the lower socio-economic level. Liga MAC is all about levelling the playing field and our student profile this month relates the sacrifices one family was willing to make in order to ensure their children received an education.

The Liga MAC Learning Centre continues to draw visitors who marvel at the new structure and how the depth and breadth of its student programs are altering not just educational options but also life choices. As the school year moves towards its year end students will be offered information to help them in their journey forward.

Liga MAC volunteers are wrapping up another season of support work for Liga MAC. Volunteer led programs at the Learning Centre are concluding as well as a Liga MAC presence at the two organic markets in San Jose and the Liga MAC Donation Centre.

Student Profile: Valeria Zamora Roldan

In last month’s profile of Liga MAC’s successful fundraising event, Tacos Tostadas & Tequila, mention was made of a presentation given in English by Liga MAC student, Valeria Zamora Roldán. The grade 12 student who will graduate in July from CECYT 04 High school, is also the younger sister of another Liga MAC alumnus. After graduating from Liga MAC’s student support program, Valeria’s brother Angel, received a Building Baja’s Future university scholarship and is currently studying Food & Beverage Management at ITES University in San Jose del Cabo. The hardworking and bright siblings are the children of Jesus Zamora, a construction transportation bus driver, and Rosa Roldán, a cleaner working full time for a property management company. The family’s current circumstances bely an impoverished and difficult past.

The family is from a village in the state of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico. Neither parent was educated past middle school and in their home state they were only able to find temporary manual labour. In an effort to find more consistent and better paying employment and on the advice of friends, Jesus traveled in 2010 to Los Cabos. For the next three years Jesus worked in Los Cabos sending home his earnings, while Rosa maintained their home in Veracruz and looked after their pre-school children. Finally in 2013, Jesus had saved enough to send for his family but their reunion was short-lived. In 2014 Hurricane Odile wrecked its havoc on Los Cabos and with government assistance, sent Rosa and the children back to Veracruz.

Despite their rough introduction to Los Cabos, the Zamora family chose to stay and put down roots in Los Cabos and for good reason. Besides the availability of steady better paying work, the community network of non-profit organizations has allowed those in need to receive assistance with medical issues, daycare, counselling, disaster relief and in the case of the Zamora family, educational support. In their home state of Veracruz, NGO’s were virtually non-existent and assistance with the cost of school supplies and school uniforms unheard of. Both Rosa and Jesus realize the value of education and instill that value in their children. Because of their parents’ encouragement both Angel and Valeria have excelled in their studies. During the pandemic lockdown after taking an introductory course, Valeria taught herself English. She continues to perfect her English usage while maintaining good grades in all her subjects. Moving away from their family and friends in Veracruz was difficult but in Rosa’s words, Liga MAC has become their new family. Jesus adds that he is grateful for all the help that Liga MAC has provided for his family so that his kids will have a better life.

Student Support Programs

Self-Esteem & Social Skills – Facilitated by Liga MAC staff member Consuelo Espinosa, the workshop for Grade 7 students continues until the end of April. Students are allowed to examine their emotions and work on their self confidence. Each session ends with a short meditation.

Agentes de Cambio/Agents of Change – The collaborative program with the Boys & Girls Club continues on Saturday mornings until July 13. Over the course of the year the Grade 9 students design and execute a community project.

Math & Spanish Tutoring – Forty-three students attend Saturday morning classes in Spanish and Math conducted by the professional teachers of the Centro Pedagogico del Valle while 80 students attend afternoon classes Monday through Thursday.

ESL Pilot Program – The new pilot ESL program which hopes to continue classes throughout the year, was developed and is led by volunteer Juan Carlos Cotamo. Thirty-five Grade 10 students attend small group proficiency-based classes. As the pilot program evolves, teacher Juan Carlos has identified more advanced students and offers appropriate instruction to all the students involved. Because the school district administration has not placed a priority on learning English, there is a wide range of abilities within the local school system.

“Alas” – Not be confused with the Comprehensive Sex Education Seminar created by Liga MAC and led by Heddy Villaseñor, this seminar was developed by Yessica Guillen (former ED for The Boys and Girls Club) to promote critical thinking. This seminar was offered by open invitation and is not mandatory for Liga MAC students. The 13 participants attend weekly seminars on Friday afternoons which will continue until the end of the school year.

The Clean-Up Initiative – Designed and presented locally by environmental engineer, Victoria Lugo, the Clean-Up Initiative was funded by International Community Foundation and promoted state-wide. Twenty-five Liga MAC students and their families participated in the one day event held on March 10. Targeted areas included beaches, arroyos and local neighbourhoods.

ESL Wrap-up – The final ESL session for the school year was held March 23 and included a pizza party and art display for the 64 students involved in the program, their volunteer tutors and invited guests. The 10 weeks of Saturday morning classes created a bond between the students and their instructors resulting in an emotion filled last session.

Volunteer Activities and Events

San Jose Organic Market – Although the market continues on until the end of April, Liga MAC volunteers will only be in attendance until mid April. The Liga MAC booth offers used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located in La Huerta Sports Club north of Centenario Blvd on the north side of San Jose del Cabo and is operated on Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Palmilla Organic Market – The Friday morning Palmilla market is operated from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and is located at the Shoppes of Palmilla. The Liga MAC booth offers used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation and will operate until late April.

Liga MAC Donation Centre – Located at Paseo de los Marinos Blvd and Paseo Goleta in Colonia El Chamizal, the Donation Centre receives gentle used household items, clothes and books which it offers to the public for a donation. Run by volunteers, students and their parents, the centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and will continue until late April.

Race for Education – The success of last year’s inaugural event has prompted organizers to re-stage the Race for Education on May 5 this year and hopefully make it an annual event. The stated goals of the race are to promote sports, to promote a healthy lifestyle and to benefit Liga MAC. Last year’s event drew 200 adult participants and 50 children plus multiple sponsors. For more information (in Spanish) call or text Karen Castro at 624 157-9820 or coach Ricardo Graillet at 921 139-9442. Click here to see race details.

Parting Comments

It is not difficult to imagine Valeria’s future had her parents decided to stay in Veracruz. With low wages, intermittent work and no educational support, the family outcome would have been perpetuated. Breaking down barriers to learning by creating access to educational opportunities is something that Liga MAC has developed and honed over its 27 years of existence. From providing uniforms, tuition and backpacks for secondary students, to creating programs that enhance educational performance and personal development, to constructing a purpose built centre for learning, to developing a wholistic approach to student education that includes the entire family, Liga MAC recognizes that creating opportunities for education changes lives. The cycle of opportunities however begins with our donors without whom none of the work Liga MAC does would be possible.

With appreciation
Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

February 2024

Dear Friends of Liga MAC

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

For those who attended the recent Liga MAC fundraiser, Tacos Tostadas & Tequila, our profile this month will bring back fun memories. For those who did not attend: you missed one heck of a party!

New years herald new beginnings and the start of 2024 heralded the start of Liga MAC’s student support program auxiliary programs in our new Liga MAC Learning Centre. Donors, volunteers and community neighbours have been touring the new facility and sharing their excitement.

On a sadder note, we share the news of two Liga MAC students whose lives have been cut short and how Liga MAC is playing a big part in their families’ recoveries.

Event Profile: Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila!

Host, sponsor, chef, restauranteur and Liga MAC director Tadd Chapman created a unique gourmet gastronomic experience at the Baja Luna event centre when he presented Tacos Tostadas & Tequila for the benefit of Liga MAC’s student educational program.

Chef Tadd invited 9 fellow local chefs to present their favourite gourmet taco or tostada with a beverage pairing. With 10 food/beverage stations scattered throughout the venue and all night music provided by Soundays Band and DJ Be Pro-ductions, 200 guests grazed to their preference and danced the night away.

Liga MAC students and their parents guided guests to Baja Luna with directional signage along the entry route. Liga MAC tutors, Grise and Fernanda, were warmly received by guests as they shared information on how they work with Liga MAC students. And Valeria, a 5 year Liga MAC student, took to the stage to share her heartwarming message (recited in this video).

[Watch Video: Valeria’s Message]

Our students who volunteered for the event, were inspired by the venue and the event’s underlying purpose: to help change their lives! Over $32,000 was raised to help support the student program and purchase much needed computers for our new computer lab.

Special thanks go the following chefs for their beautiful and tasty food creations and their dedication to helping the students of San Jose del Cabo:

• Elena Sors – Gourmet 911
• Abraham Taméz – Akasha
• Belén Cortéz – Sigma Foodservice
• Ibrahim Amaya – Cerritos Tropical
• Armando Montaño – Mestizo Rosticería
• Kris Abush – Taba BBQ
• Roger Martín – Casa Martín
• Daniel Berúmen and David Merin – Baja Luna
• Alex Branch – Los Venenosas Tostadas
• Angel Carbajal – Niksan (Palmilla and Cabo San Lucas)
• Tadd Chapman – Habaneros, Baja Luna.

A video clip from Tacos Tostadas & Tequila:

[Watch Video: Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila Highlights]

Click Here to See Full Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila Photo Album

Student Support Programs

Math & Spanish Tutoring – Classes in the Learning Centre began on January 15 and run Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:00 am. A total of 123 students attend these tutoring sessions. During their breaks, the students co-mingle in the Learning Centre’s outdoor area.

ESL – On January 20, 19 grade 11 students and 44 grade 12 students participated in the first ESL classes at the Learning Centre. They were divided into 3 levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. Students are divided into 5 classes which are conducted from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. During break, the students gather in the common area where they converse and share snacks provided by volunteers.

ESL Pilot Program – A planning meeting held January 19 facilitated by Juan Carlos Cotamo and Liga MAC Education Co-ordinator, Maggie Martinez outlined the scope, objectives, duration, and benefits of the ESL pilot program as well as the importance of regular attendance for 35 Grade 10 students. The program which began on January 31 and will continue weekly throughout the school year, stresses the importance of phonetic pronunciation, spelling and sentence structure. The aim of the program is to develop a level of proficiency by providing year round instruction. Classes are conducted in the Learning Centre Library.

Waste Management Workshop – On January 26, environmental engineer, Victoria Lugo, introduced her ideas regarding the planning, design and execution of programs to develop solutions for environmental problems. In attendance were 21 Liga MAC students and parents.

Self-Esteem & Social Skills – Liga MAC’s Co-ordinator of Social Services, Consuelo Espinosa, was thrilled to begin her much delayed Self-Esteem and Social Skills program at the Learning Centre on January 15. Forty-three grade 7 students attended the initial one and a half hour session which will continue for the next 10 weeks.

Agentes de Cambio/Agents of Change – Twenty grade 9 students returned to the Boys & Girls Club to continue their program on Saturday morning from 10:30 to 12:30. The co-ordinators confirm that good progress has been made in developing communication skills and camaraderie. The course will continue on at the Boys & Girls Club.

Volunteer Activities and Events

San Jose Organic Market – Liga MAC volunteers host an information booth at the market on Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The booth has used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located in La Huerta Sports Club north of Centenario Blvd on the north side of San Jose del Cabo.

Palmilla Organic Market – Liga MAC volunteers host an information booth at the market on Friday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The booth also has used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located at the Shoppes of Palmilla.

Liga MAC Donation Centre – Located at Paseo de los Marinos Blvd and Goleta Street in Colonia El Chamizal, the Donation Centre receives gentle used household items, clothes and books which it offers to the public for a donation. Run by volunteers, students and their parents, the centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Liga MAC’s Commitment to Our Students and Their Families

When Liga MAC invests in a student’s educational future, the approach is a holistic one. The student’s siblings, parents, financial situation, health are all taken into consideration. That is why the recent passing of one of our students, Jesus Crisanto Marquez (June 2023 Profile) has shaken Liga MAC staff to the core but they remain resolutely committed to providing the family with whatever support they require. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Marquez family.

At the same time, Mixalis Uriel Lopez, another student was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed. The student’s family have reached out to Liga MAC staff for advice and support. In many such cases of illness and death, Liga MAC staff become advocates for the family when they are either incapacitated with grief or do not have the expertise to navigate the situation.

PARTING COMMENTS

The Learning Centre has already proven to be a beacon for learning, a centre for student activities and a source of community pride. Since the Centre officially opened in January, many donors, volunteers and long time Liga MAC supporters have toured the facility. Their comments tell the story.

One of the founding members of Liga MAC, Marilyn Graham, mentioned the pride she felt at having been involved during Liga MAC’s seminal years and of being involved in the realization of Liga MAC’s goal of helping students accomplish their educational goals.

Another long time volunteer and donor, Barbara Ziegler, commented that, “there is so much space here, there is so much ability to do things here. It’s flexible, it’s perfect. The kids who are coming to this program are so lucky that they have so much advantage over the ones that were in the past.” And ESL facilitator and tutor, Juan Carlos Cotamo, called the Learning Centre “magnificent, the best thing to happen to San Jose del Cabo!”

Hyperbole aside, there is a pride of ownership and participation that permeates all those associated with the Learning Centre. It has become a focal point in the community and a place that everyone wants to be a part of.

With appreciation

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors