Annual Report 2009
One of our main principles that has guided our work has been accountability to our donors and supporters and to the communities we serve. As we mentioned at the beginning of last year, all our projects must follow our strategic priorities outlined by the Smart Growth Report, which is an in-depth analysis on the Punta de Mita region prepared by a professor of sustainable tourism development at the University of Guadalajara. With a vision of achieving sustainable development in the area, where our actions can reduce social imbalances and the unequal relationship between rich and poor sectors, the Foundation focused its time and resources to fund projects under these four main streams:
- Employment and economic development
- Education
- Health
- Environmental and Ecological Issues
Click in the following link to download our 2009 Anual Report for detailed explanation of the type of work done in each area. Some of them are projects that we developed ourselves, others are programs from local NPOs that we support, not only with funding but also with oversight of the implementation to ensure good accountability and adequate stewardship of the resources.
http://www.puntademitafoundation.org/puntademita/news/annual-report-2009.shtml
2010 Projects
We are committed to continue with those programs that were initiated in 2009 such as our Hygiene Project in partnership with Children Shelter of Hope Foundation, scholarships for children in the area to attend a bilingual private school in Sayulita, but we also want to expand our efforts by developing those projects that have been identified as priorities for the communities and are in alignment with our Smart Growth Report. Take a look at all the projects that we are looking to developed this year, visit http://www.puntademitafoundation.org/puntademita/initiatives/Proposed-Projects/index.shtml
Kindergarten at risk
One of the kindergartens in the area lacks infrastructure, human resources and educational tools to ensure a good education for 35 children between the ages four and six. The Foundation, through its Education Committee lead by Beth Fuller, a committed resident with many years of teaching experience in US, has embraced this project and committed to change this by next school year.
We have started by renewing the existing classroom (painting, school supplies, furniture, books, games, etc) and will be followed by trainning "volunteer mothers" that can assist the only teacher available at the school.
An incredible effort has been made by many of the parents to clean up the existing rooms that we will renew. They also organized and purchased the flooring for one of the new classrooms. Carpentry, furniture and painting still needs to be done. One of the rooms will be for a library and books have already been donated with more yet to come, the other room will be for four year old activities.
Clean Environment (Highway trash pick-up program)
Another important commitment for us is to create awareness and education to all residents in the area about the importance of having a clean and safe environment. We have already started with very clear actions. Through the Highway trash pick-up program that started in mid-February, we have been able to remove 279 jumbo bags of trash. This will be an on-going effort through the end of the year. Some of the next steps include trainning materials and workshops with parents and children at school. Banners will be placed in key areas like bus stop and construction sites.
2010 Donors
We are very humble and inspired by the generosity we have witnessed in the first quarter of the year from those who have already contributed for this year´s projects. An especial thank you for the "Guy´s group" of Charlie Ewell for their commitment as a group but also as individuals. We also want to welcome and thank some new Friends of the Foundation for 2010:
Charles and Valerie Ewell
The Precourt Foundation
Frederick Warren
Bob and Patricia Dahl Foundation
Peter and Claire Newton
The Siebel Foundation
The Corroon Foundation
To find out more on how to become a Friend of the Foundation please go to the link: http://www.puntademitafoundation.org/puntademita/giving/index.shtml