Education for 250 working children in Chiapas

Dear GlobalGiving donors,

It is with great pleasure, that we present to you the annual report for the funds we received this year. Your contribution makes a real difference for the children that we work with.

Last year we work with 528 working children. With the program we help to promote their rights such as education, identity and a life free of violence.

a)      Annual Birth Certificate campaign

 From January to May we held the annual birth certificate campaign, it was focus mostly in the markets and public areas where children work, but we also produced radio spots that were broadcast in local radio stations.

 We help to obtain 69 birth certificates.

 b)      Educational activities

 We did weekly educational activities in different places like markets, downtown and in the organization office. The activities were focus to help children to learn abilities such as reading comprehension, writing, mathematics, technology; abilities that are useful in school contributing to prevent drop-out. But also, we taught them about their rights and life skills such as work team, frustration tolerance, patience, self-esteem, etc.

c)       Annual Campaign: Right to Education

Melel Xojobal ran a campaign to promote the enrolment of working children in school. The campaign took place in three markets where there are children working without attending school. We performed a play and we also placed posters and gave out leaflets with information for parents.

The play´s title was: “The story of Lupita: the girl who sold flowers at Merposur”.  Lupita is an 8 year old child, who sells flowers at a market, she doesn’t have a birth certificate, so she can´t go to school. The play analyzes the different problems of education for children who have to work as well the importance of having a birth certificate. It also encourages parents to support their children to attend and to stay in school, providing a new perspective about the long term benefits that education will have on their children.

d) Scholarships

 We were able to award 31 scholarships to families in greatest need to help with the costs associated with schooling.

                                                     We want to thank all of you your priceless support

Global Giving

My name is Sandy and I received the scholarship, it has been very helpful, especially with my school supplies, with stationary supplies and with food etc.

In Melel Xojobal there have been activities such as jewelry-making where we make chaquira bracelets and collars. I learned how to use the pliers.

We also have activities every Monday at 4:00 pm, where we learn about our rights, about bullying and especially how to defend our rights.

I like Melel Xojobal because I learn more and also because it’s very fun. I thank the people who gave me the scholarship, it´s been very helpful. When I don´t have shoes to go to school I can buy them with the scholarship and also buy school supplies. Sometimes my school supplies are stolen so I can buy more.

Thank you for your attention

I am Sandy and I am 11

Links:

• Santo Domingo activities