A PERSONAL UPDATE: Since I started the Mexican non-profit Educarte in 2015, my goal has been to ensure that our mission would continue long after I was either gone from this earth or no longer able to lead our efforts. This past year has helped move us closer to this goal sooner than expected, as I have struggled through two surgeries with difficult recoveries. Consequently, unlike the previous 10 years when I traveled to Rocky Point to work with my local team on an almost weekly basis, over the past 13 months, I have only been able to be there in person a few times. As many of you may have noticed, I have also not been able to provide frequent updates as I have in the past.
Thankfully, technology has enabled me to continue to provide my local team with virtual oversight and guidance, and, in my absence, they have stepped up in a huge way. Although this past year has been difficult, it has taught me many lessons. It has also helped to reaffirm how important it is for the critical work that Educarte does to continue. So, as I am feeling better and able to engage more, rather than jumping back into active leadership, my efforts moving forward will be focused on continuing to empower my local team and to ensure they have the support that Educarte needs to thrive and grow–with or without me!
Fortunately, in January of 2024, we began a partnership with the U.S. non-profit Escuela de Victoria (EDV). This 501c3 organization is led by a group of committed and compassionate special educators in Arizona, and our partnership has evolved in ways that none of us ever imagined. EDV began by raising funds and providing intensive training to help Educarte open the first-ever private special education school in Puerto Peñasco. Over this past year, as I have had to step back, the EDV team has stepped in and continued to provide many types of ongoing support for Educarte. Their involvement has helped our local team impact young people with disabilities in this community in an unprecedented way.
I am thrilled to share that EDV will now be taking the lead in fundraising, providing financial oversight, and sharing updates with American donors to Educarte. Although I will be stepping back a bit, I am not going away! I will serve on EDV’s board and will work closely with their team to ensure that Educarte continues to receive the support it needs. Equally important, we will continue to provide the financial accountability and transparency you have come to expect so that you can remain confident that your donations are truly making a difference.
There truly are no words to express how thankful I am for every one of you who has joined me in this journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people in Puerto Peñasco. I look forward to seeing Educarte thrive as we move forward with much stronger teams on both sides of the border.
THE SMILES SAY IT ALL!
For children who have the chance to go to school for the first time, every day is special. This year, on April 30th, the elementary school students at Escuela de Victoria dressed up as their favorite superheroes to celebrate Dia de Los Niños. It is hard to imagine how much it means, not only to these very special children but also to their parents, to have the chance to enjoy a celebration at school like most children do. We are so thankful to our amazing teachers and all of Educarte’s supporters who helped make this all possible!
A VERY SPECIAL FIELD TRIP!
Recently, the older students in Escuela de Victoria’s vocational/life skills class had the chance to go on a very special field trip. They had a great time learning about archeology, and as you can see, they were very excited and even dressed the part! It is hard for many of us in the U.S. to imagine that Mexican law does not require public schools to serve young people with special needs. Sadly, this has left many very special young people isolated at home without the chance to realize their potential and participate fully in life.
You can now make a tax-deductible gift to support the critical work Educarte is doing through the Victory Foundation. Go to: www.victoryfoundationforthekids.com, click on donate, and designate your gift to ‘Beyond Borders’.
