SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM

The Punta de Mita Foundation, with help of Becas Vallarta, started two years ago a scholarship program for children in the area to attend Costa Verde International School. This is a private bilingual primary school between Sayulita and Punta Mita focused on teaching art, culture, environmental sustainability so children can embrace ecological responsibility as a part of all their classroom learning.  By supporting this program we are giving children the opportunity to have better quality of education than will open doors to their future.
Alex & Luis will be enjoying their second year in CVIS but we have others that would like to have this opportunity and we welcome Juan Manuel as new sponsored child!!  Juan Manuel will start next August his firts year at Costa Verde!!!

INTEGRAL EDUCATION

The Smart Growth Report showed how education facilities have been lacking for some time, but especially so during the past five years because of the increase in migrant workers who have been bringing their families with them. There are not enough classrooms to service the youth population. It was found that more than 50% of the community has an education level no higher than the primary level. Many children are forced to leave school because they family cannot afford it and they need them to work.

In addition to the lack of infrastructure, the quality of the education in the area is below the National Average. Children go to school only 3 to 4 hours a day and only 68% of Mexican children complete 9 years of education. Quality of education as well as academic improvement needs to be part of our scope.

Achievements

During 2009, The Foundation obtained founding to provide 4 new classrooms to two different schools.   Two were built at the Kinder Garden of Emiliano Zapata and benefitted the 90 children that attend.   The other two were built on the Primary School of Emiliano Zapata with a total population of 245 students.

We also funded PEACE¨S Casa Comunidad project that offers an after school program that provide children a safe, fun and productive environment in which to spend their afternoons. Children that participate in these programs have decreased a 35% increase in education as well as academic improvement. It provides children and adults with programs and opportunities to develop the necessary skills to be successful, positive contributors to their multicultural environment as well as help the access to better job opportunities where bilingual staff is required. 

FOR 2010 WE WILL FOCUS IN SUPPORTING THE KINDER GARTEN AT RISK....

Although all the schools need the support, this year we will concentrate our effort at the Kinder Garten at Corral del Risco which is the one in worst conditions. They only have one teacher and 35 children of different ages are together in the same class.  Actions will include restoring one existing classroom and adapting it as a facility where children can develop their skills, trained volunteer mothers to help and support the only teacher at the kinder and provide all material necessary for children to improve their skills.  We are very lucky to have Beth Fuller on board, a very committed and experienced Kindergarten teacher who is leading this project!!