By Sharon Doherty | Project Leader
Escuela de Educación Especial de San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel School for Special Education) was faced with the challenge of providing virtual learning to students who are Deaf and who live in rural communities. The vast majority of these communities do not have internet service. The challenge also included the need to provide video access to enable the students and teachers to communicate with each other visually, in Mexican Sign Language.
The solution soon came to light: purchase economic, large screen cellular phones and provide pre-paid data for each student to access Whatsapp and to use exclusively for learning at home.
With a budget of approximately $1500, six such cell phones were purchased in August and data plans were topped up every two weeks to allow the students to participate in on-line class activities. Mission accomplished.
Although this microproject was not fully funded during the time period allocated, adequate funds were raised from other sources making the purchase of this electronic equipment a reality.
Thank you to all who helped make this happen. The students participate everyday, as they are able, and connect with each other regularly by sending texts and emojis. This connection helps keep their spirits high, very helpful in this time of great uncertainty and isolation.
Wishing you all the best for 2021!
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