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Project Amigo
August E-News |
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| Greetings! |
Greetings from Colima! As our rainy season progresses, our world becomes incredibly verdant. Our garden "living room" awaits you for a visit and a chat.
 We're pleased to report that last month five of our junior high school students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their schools. Two students earned second-place awards in their 9th grade class; one won first place in her 8th grade class and another placed second in the same class; and the fifth student earned second place in her 7th grade class. Ninety six percent of our scholars finished with an 8.5 or better grade average. Summer vacation is almost over. The primary school children will begin their classes in September. Junior high and high school students start up later this month. Thirteen of our sixteen high school graduates were accepted to the University of Colima this week. We will soon publish the names and details on our web-site. Here's the link: University Bound
The summer Spanish immersion class (our first-ever) was a success! We'll do it again next summer. Mark your calendars now if you want to improve your Spanish skills, get acquainted with Project Amigo and its scholars, and do some good deeds - all at the same time. July 11-31, 2010.
Many thanks to each of you who wrote last month about our new style newsletter. We appreciate your kind comments. There is an easy link at the bottom if you want to forward a copy to friends or family. They will only get it once, unless they click the 'Join Mailing List" button.
Gracias and Happy Summertime.
Ted & Susan |
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| Project Amigo's Focus on Literacy |
Volunteers help shape the breadth and scope of Project Amigo's successful projects. Ten years ago, Boise Sunrise Rotarian Bev Pressman, a child literacy expert, participated on a Project Amigo work week. One of the activities involved taking books to read to children in Colima area orphanages and rural schools. At the end of the activity, volunteers would gather up the books and return to our headquarters. Observing that these facilities didn't have fun children's books on hand, Bev asked why we didn't leave the books for the children to continue to enjoy. Good question. As a result of Bev's observation and question, Project Amigo added a new focus to its third mission (To build relationships between Rotarians from the US and Canada and Rotarians from Mexico) - and that was a focus on literacy that Rotary Clubs could do in collaboration and cooperation with Colima area Rotary Clubs.  Over the years, Rotary Clubs in the US, Australia and Canada have partnered with Colima area Rotary Clubs to contribute to Rotary Foundation Matching Grants that purchase mini-libraries of fun children's books and books that the children can keep for their very own. Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers work with the Colima area Rotary Clubs to deliver the books and mini-libraries to poor rural schools in Colima and southern Jalisco. Thousands of children each year experience the fun and joy of reading; and teachers report noticeable changes in children's attitudes toward learning, in their creativity, and in their vocabularies.  And there is an added far-reaching benefit! When a child takes a book home, he shares that book with his parents and with his siblings. He has the opportunity to "show off" a special skill that other family members don't have (yet). We find that as a result, many parents enroll in adult education classes that are offered gratis in their villages by the National Institute of Adult Education (INEA) in order to achieve their primary (and even secondary and high school) education certificates. Frequently, it is Project Amigo's scholarship recipients who are the local liaisons between the students and INEA. |
| Meet our Students |
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Sandra Mariano Ramos
"The most important people are those who fill our lives with truth,
sincerity, friendship and, most importantly, happiness."
I'm Sandra Guadalupe Mariano Ramos, and I'm 22 years old. I'm one of the luckiest of people because for the past 12 years I have had the opportunity to be part of a marvelous team: Project Amigo.
I give thanks to God for having placed in my path such grand people as Ted and Susan, Anilu, Jorge, Doņa Chela, Marylee, Tom and Francy and Catherine; and even more people whom I have had the privilege to get to know over the years, especially those who have helped with my education: The Reno South Rotary Club, Bob and Roseanne Hardenbrook, Royden and Yolanda Reed, Rob Parks and his late wife Sue. All of them have helped me realize my dreams. They are all people who started out not even knowing me, yet helped me economically and spiritually with their support. They are all angels on earth and I can only say "Thank you! for having confidence in me."
 Project Amigo represents to me opportunity, altruism, betterment, generosity, friendship, growth - and most of all love; because only when one loves is one capable of doing everything that Project Amigo and its volunteers are able to do - to truly love their neighbors. My life as a student has always been a good one. I've made good grades, and this has allowed me keep my scholarship with Project Amigo without lapse. Because of that, I have reached my dream of graduating from the University of Colima as a teacher of mathematics. It's a dream I've had since I was a child, and it would not have been possible without the help and support of all the good people of Project Amigo who have walked my path with me all these years. It has been the motor that has helped me fight the good fight and win. I've won knowledge and learning, friends, and a lot of love. I'm deeply content because I know that in my profession I will be able to put forth my little grain of sand toward the education and growth of my country. I'm aware that I have a debt to give my all to help those who follow me, as others have given their all to help me. I will give back to my community, to my students, and to my country because I am capable of doing so. Project Amigo has been the root of this strength that I now enjoy. | |
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Project Amigo is a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization. Our Federal Tax ID # 68-0396073.
Our mission is to enable the poor children of Colima to achieve their highest potential by providing educational opportunities, material support, enrichment activities, and medical and dental services not otherwise available to them. We provide scholarships to outstanding students who complete sixth grade so that they can attend junior high, high school and college at the University of Colima.
Our scholars are becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers and community leaders. When these students complete college and enter a profession they, and their whole family, break out of the cycle of poverty that has imprisoned them for generations. Our administrative costs are low, and the benefits to the children we serve are high. You can help Project Amigo by using your credit card and making a contribution on-line by clicking Donate -- or by sending your check to: Project Amigo 14 Commercial Blvd # 119 Novato, CA 94949 |
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