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
