Mexico 

Marisela is a young woman who lives in a rural area  near Guanajuato, Jalisco. She is in her second year of university studying to become an environmental engineer. Her sponsorship level is $ 700.00 a semester. She is able to work part-time, but can cover only a portion of her expenses.

 

Francisco is in 8th grade. He also lives in a rural area near Guanajuato. His sponsorship need is $ 600.00 a semester.

 

Reynaldo lives in Quertetero, where he is in his first year of university. He hopes to become an architect. His scholarship need is $ 600.00 a semester.

 

Maria Gomez is studiying toward a university degree in accounting. She lives in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Maria is at the half way point in her studies.  Her scholarship need is for $ 900.00 a semester.

Rosa Victoria Mena Menendez is 12 years old, and is now in the 6th grade. She lives in the community of San Miguelito, Armenia, in the Department (State) of Sonsonate. Her scholarship need is $ 275.00 a year.

 

Paula del Carmen Alvarado is 14 years old and is in the 5th grade. She lives in the community of San Juan, Armenia, in the Department of Sonsonate. Her scholarship need is $ 275.00 a year.

 

Ingrid Nohemy Hernandez is 10 years old and is in the 3rd grade. She lives in the community of San Miguelito. Her scholarship need is $ 275.00 a year.

 

Katerin Andrea Munguia is 14 year sold and is in the 9th grade. She lives in Azacualpa. Her scholarship need is for $ 500.00 a year. Katerin dreams of becoming a doctor.

 

Ely David Mena is 16 years old and is in the 9th grade. He lives in the community of San Miguelito. His scholarship need is for $ 500.00.

 

Adonay Gilberto Jimenez Escalante is 15 years old and is in grade 10. He lives in the village of Sunza Acajutla. His scholarship need is $ 500.00.

 

In the communities that we enjoy a cultural exchange with, there are still so many young people in need of our help. These needs are not just for the basic amenities, but also for something a bit more intangible -- the need to know that someone believes in them. Their dreams are often very precarious, and even the smallest donation from you, can lend hope and encouragement when it is needed the most. No donation is too small.

 

 

1. The Co-Madres (Mothers of the Disappeared Monsignor Oscar Romero) have been working for human rights since the late 1970's. The Co-Madres are an
internationally recognized organization that works against impunity and for bringing to justice the perpetrators of horrific abuses during and after the civil war in El Salvador.
   The Co-Madres have been part of a Mental Health project for 5 years. Group therapy is offered to family members who have had family members "disappeared," murdered or tortured. A group of up to 60-65 people can receive this helpful therapy per year. $ 8,000.00 covers the expenses for a psychologist and her assistant to help people in 3-4 areas of the country each year.

 

2. The Co-Madres continue to education  the poor. They offer workshops in 4-5 locations each year. Copies of the Salvadoran Constitution are given to each participant, and people are brought together to learn how to organize themselves and claim their own human rigfhts. $ 8,000.00 a year covers the cost for the workshops throughout the year.

 

3. Sewing machine project: a request had been made by rural women for a sewing machine in their homes. Most of the women are single mothers, their husbands either were killed during the war or the husbands have left home to seek employment elsewhere. A group of over 24 women have received sewing machines for their homes. They are able to make clothes for their own children, and then make clothes to sell. This income supplement is crucial for their families.
Cost of a home model sewing machine:
Cost of an industrial level sewing machine:

 

4. Water project:  GATE has completed two water projects in El Salvador. A third project is on hold because of a lack of needed funds. Over $ 7,000. has been received for this project in La Puerta, El Salvador. Because  clean water is only available under layers of rock, a truck with a drill is necessary to plumb the depths for the water. $ Approximately $ 35,000. is still needed to finish the project for this village.