Support Young Aspiring Mexican Tech Inventors

Project Aims:

The launch of a dedicated Makers Lab at one of Proacceso’s Digital Learning Centers, located in a highly marginalized and densely populated municipality in the State of Mexico. The new space designed to introduce users to the hands-on use of mechanical, electrical, and digital technologies, will offer a variety of workshops in creative tools, electronics, 3D Design and Fabrication using 3D Printers as well as access to computers and internet.                                

• Defining project scope
• Designing of the learning model and physical environment
• Content design and materials
• Purchase of equipment
• Installation and operation of the RIA MakersLab facilities
• Mentor recruitment
• Marketing

Project Need:

• Remodeling space
• Learning model design
• Determine equipment needed for the model implementation
• Architectural implementation
• Opening space
• Define brand identity

Project progress:

This is the Maker Lab’s first report. It’s been an exciting first stage. We’ve worked so hard and we are sure this space is going to be a great opportunity for young people in Nezahualcóyotl municipality to experiment the possibilities of technology and their creative skills. We want to share with you what has been happening:

1. Ludens, an architectural firm, made the architectural proposal for adapting the physical space. Based on this proposal, we had a provider selection process in which they invited different providers in order to select the most suitable. They formally began to work on June 1st, 2015.
2. We also worked in a few logo’s proposals for the creation of the project’s bran identity, as you can see in the next images.
3. Local (Mexican) suppliers were spotted to acquire the CNC machines (CNC router and 3D printer), considering them to be preferable because of security issues, warranties, technical support and shipping charges.
4.  We made a research and started contacting potential sponsors, partners, so we could buy equipment with discounts for educational NGOs.
5.  The Fundación Proacceso is already stablishing contact with different brands. A 10% discount with Adafruit was agreed.
6. Marketing for the opening event is being elaborated. Nokia, Global Giving UK, PM Steele and other sponsors received acknowledgment.
7. The revision of the Civil Protection program related with the physical space will be done on October-November; on the same date which the renovation of the RIA (Learning and Innovation Network) center’s civil protection plans will be executed.
8. Schedule activities and courses have been programmed.
9. The furniture donation from PM Steele was confirmed.
10. As part of the effort to have volunteers involved in the Project, Yesenia who is part of the Enseña Por Mexico’s Program helped us contacting important youth organizations and art collectives from the region to let them know we’re starting activities Tuesday 14^th, july, 2015.

Obstacles and challenges encountered:

Currently in Mexico there are few providers of digital manufacturing tools like 3D printers, laser cutting and CNC. Finding affordable costs providers in our budget and available in Mexico City was a big challenge.

Suppliers validated by The Foundation Proacceso was found outside Mexico City in the cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara.

The delivery and installation of such machines was difficult. Mainly by laser cutting machine, from Monterrey. This 500 kg machine had to be raised 1st floor to the MakersLab space.

How are we planning to address these going forward?

The staff in charge of MakersLab will be trained for the operation and maintenance of this specialized machinery, because the companies is far to the center.

Manuals for maintenance, safe use and operation of these tools will be developed.

What have been our key achievements for the project due to the funding received?

The MakersLab is a unique of its kind because it mixes a variety of hand tools, electrical tools, rapid prototyping in electronic and digital fabrication tools.

The design of this space, the development of their educational and operational model were the keys to this period.

We hirethe full-time educator, thanks to this the space will be ready for opening and starts operation in July.

The Makers Lab is a great opportunity for Youth in Nezahualcóyotl, one the most populated municipalities in Mexico, with high rates of violence and poverty in the country.

What are our plans for the project over the next 3 months?

Start activities in the space.
Designing of educational offer intermediate courses.
Educator and staff training in the operation of tools, and educational operation.
Connect the space with the community of local and global makers.