50 Deaf Children In Mexico Need Sign Language

Inspiration is Contagious Too!

The challenging health issue we all face has brought an outpouring of inspiring messages in newsletters, emails, social media posts, as well as some wonderful window paintings and displays. The students, teachers and staff at EEESMA hope that this update on the kids' learning journey during the Covid-19 pandemic brings you joy and inspiration.

Despite the fact that school has been physically closed since March, the end of the school term in July brought a virtual celebration of individual student and group accomplishments. Virtual classes held on-line during the past four months have allowed students to advance in each of their respective levels.

EEESMA is excited and proud to announce that Rafael recently graduated from high school joining his fellow alumni Laurita, Azucena and Carla who graduated in 2019.

It is also with great pride that we announce three more students, Angelica, Noelia, and Jesús will begin on-line high school classes in September. This brings to seven the number of students at EEESMA to progress to high school. Felicidades a todos!

We are also pleased to announce that Diego Castro, himself deaf, will return to EEESMA in September to ably lead, translate and mentor this group of three middle school graduates through their high school modules.

Laurita has begun her undergraduate degree with Utel online university and her light shines on. See the microproject to fund Laurita's education https://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/laurita-rises-to-the-challenge/  Although the intensity and difficulty of assignments make them a challenge, Laurita works diligently and has received high marks on her first exams and papers. She has a whole team of supporters at school on her side including a contracted translator who records on video in Mexican Sign Language the written and spoken course material for Laurita to better comprehend. After receiving her degree, Laurita plans to become a teacher at EEESMA. It doesn't get much better than that!

Although all at school are currently enjoying summer break, EEESMA continues to provide financial support, with all teachers and staff including part time vocational training instructors being paid as usual despite the school's physical closure.

A lot of planning and preparation is currently underway to reopen EEESMA for a new school year. Health and safety are the highest priorities. Secretary of Education for Guanajuato has yet to give the go ahead for schools to open on August 10th, as was previously announced. With the current rising of Covid-19 cases in San Miguel de Allende, it is unlikely that date will be met.

EEESMA, in the absence of lowering Covid numbers, will continue to run virtual classes until there is comfort that in-person classes can be held safely. To better support virtual classes there is a need to purchase additional electronic tablets for the younger students to use at home. Directora Juaniz is working to acquire more engaging and functional on-line educational apps from a regarded company in Mexico City to raise the level of on-line learning. Additional ways to support the students' mental and emotional wellbeing during this time of social isolation are also being researched. In the meantime, Laurita, along with a limited number of the older students, attend school once or twice a week for tutoring and to participate in Vocational Training workshops; all done with the proper physical distancing, hand hygiene, and the use of face coverings.

These kids inspire us all!

It is sometimes hard to find good news and to be upbeat in these challenging times; the times of COVID-19.

But one thing that can give us all some comfort is to bear witness to how well children who are Deaf deal with the tough hand they have been dealt. Most often they do not complain, they are open to many changes and challenges, show amazing resiliency and, best of all, offer us all hope that a better future is within reach.

We invite you to read on, to learn firsthand how Laurita aspires to continue her education, to create a better life for herself while displaying courage and perseverance in the process.

It is also worth mentioning that all students, teachers, staff and their families at Escuela de Educación Especial de San Miguel de Allende are doing well while following “stay at home” practices during the school's temporary closure. 

EEESMA is proud to announce that Laurita has registered in Utel University's on-line program for a Bachelor Degree in Education. The program began June 1st, 2020 and runs for 2 years 8 months. She will be tutored by teachers at EEESMA offering translation from Spanish to Mexican Sign Language to assist Laurita to better understand and complete assignments.

Following her graduation from high school at EEESMA last March, and after spending several months working with Directora Juaniz as a teaching assistant, Laurita realized that she had a lot to offer children who are Deaf by pursuing a career as a teacher. Through this work, she has demonstrated strong abilities to work with young Deaf students.

Described as a bright, warm, enthusiastic and caring young woman, those who know Laurita are confident she will make a great teacher and an amazing role model for all young Deaf people. During the temporary closure of school, Laurita has continued to work alongside Juaniz in an impressive way to support students with their virtual studies. Please join us in wishing Laurita well in the pursuit of her dreams of attaining higher education and becoming a teacher of the Deaf.  

Links:

• School's website