April 2023

Dear Friends of Liga MAC

The job of operating Liga MAC’s programs and organizing its 300 students falls to Liga MAC’s efficient staff team. One of those team members is tasked with monitoring Liga MAC’s student outcomes and brings a varied background to her post as Co-ordinator of Social Services. Our profile this month will introduce her and touch on some of her many talents.

The Semana Santa (Easter) school break has just concluded. As students head back to school, Liga MAC’s programs will also restart (see Programs Report). Meanwhile our new Learning Centre is rising from the grounds of the former Centro de Apoyo. In-kind donations are starting to roll in as the building takes shape (see Learning Centre Report).  

Financial support for Liga MAC’s operating costs is always front of mind as one school year winds down and another looms on the horizon. To address this need, two long time supporters gear up for their annual fundraising event (see Upcoming Events) and another new fundraising initiative takes shape.

And finally, now that the COVID pandemic is but a sad memory, Dr. Deneb Poli will turn her focus in her Doctor’s Corner column to some of the other health issues facing our students and our community (see Doctor’s Corner). 

Asked when she became involved with Liga MAC Consuelo Espinosa replies, February 16, 2016. It has become a landmark day for her. She began as a volunteer but by July of 2016, Consuelo was hired to replace a longtime employee leaving due to poor health. Arriving in Los Cabos from Guadalajara (the second largest city in Mexico) seven years ago, Consuelo who trained in Mexico City as an architect, found herself at loose ends. The empty nester needed a volunteer activity. After a Google search of non-profits in Los Cabos, Consuelo discovered Liga MAC’s website and on a trip to the San Jose Organic Market, connected with volunteer Marcy McInytre at the Liga MAC booth. Next came an interview with Executive Director, Elva Haro and staff member, Blanca Roblero. Consuelo’s first volunteer duties with Liga MAC were to assist with the Despensa program (a program that granted food vouchers to families in need) and to update and file student information. Her dedication to her unpaid job, ability to speak English, and reliability were some of the many attributes that, qualified Consuelo for the full time paid position when it came available.

Consuelo’s first two years on the job were as an administrative assistant. Next came an intensive training period during which Consuelo learned interviewing techniques to perform psychological evaluations and socio-economic studies. Gradually she was fitted for the position of Co-ordinator of Student Social Services, a position that became even more cogent during the pandemic. In addition, Consuelo facilitates the Self-Esteem Program for grade 7 students just starting their Liga MAC journey. The program not only introduces students to Liga MAC but also allows Consuelo to establish a rapport to better follow her students’ trajectories. Her relationship with the students, enables her to notice whether a dip in their academic standings is due to an issue at home, a personal health issue or requires additional tutoring.

Consuelo is also a licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, a skill set that has helped her recognize students with medical issues. In the case of one student who developed a nasty skin rash, Consuelo was able to advocate on the student’s behalf until a dermatological diagnosis revealed an allergy to the sun. Once diagnosed, the student was able to take precautions to deal with the health issue so that it did not interfere with school work.

Her work at Liga MAC according to Consuelo has given her life purpose. She sees daily the impact that Liga MAC has on the community by giving students and their families a chance at a better life. She would like Liga MAC volunteers to know that their work is paying dividends in the lives they are helping to change and to donors she adds that every dollar spent on the students and their families is money well invested!

English As a Second Language - This school year’s program drew to a successful close on March 25 with a special event prepared by ESL students for invited guests. ESL program facilitator, Linda Little, worked with her advanced ESL students on a verbal and artistic presentation representing the students’ “dreams and talents”. An emotional connection was made when one of the guests, Judy Greene, a Liga MAC founding member was thanked by the students. Several students noted that before attending Liga MAC’s ESL program, they “thought they knew English” however their proficiency upon completion of the program highlighted how little they had actually known.

Alas & Aguilas - The final 5 hour session of four combined Alas and Aguilas sessions took place Saturday, April 1 and represented the first regular in-person Alas and Aguilas program since the beginning of the pandemic lockdown. Facilitator Heddy Villasenor shared that this group of students participating in the sexuality seminars had been particularly difficult. During the first Saturday morning sessions the students seemed unable to socialize or interact. They were afraid to remove their face masks and were reluctant to make eye contact. Some shared that they suffered from anxiety, insomnia and depression. Gradually their guardedness waned and some were able to participate fully. Heddy is preparing a report for parents to help reduce post-pandemic anxiety. The co-ed approach to the program will be used for all future programs.

Spanish and Math Tutoring - Tutoring by teaching staff at Centro Pedagogico Del Valle in Colonia Sant Rosa will continue for 3 more weeks after students return from their Semana Santa holidays. Program results will be tabulated and analyzed at the conclusion of the program in preparation for next fall’s intake.

During the past several months preparation work for Liga MAC’s new Learning Centre although not necessarily visible, was taking place. Applications for permits, surveying, demolition, and foundation work was happening behind the scenes and below grade. Like a flower unfolding in spring, the Learning Centre is emerging from its roots and rising into bloom. As the structure rises so does the excitement! Recently, a Friend of Liga MAC heard about the new Centre and donated their kitchen cabinets, counters and sinks after a kitchen renovation. We are still accepting donated furnishings in good repair. If you are planning a renovation or redecoration project please contact Elva Haro at elva@ligamac.org to see if your items can be repurposed.

Calling all Student Support Program Applicants!



A public call for applicants to Liga MAC’s 2023/2024 Student Support Program has been made through local media as well as invitations sent to all the local elementary schools. Liga MAC will have space for 60 new students - 55 entering middle school and 5 university students. Click here to see full calling information (in spanish).

New Employee

When a Liga MAC employee resigned to pursue an opportunity in the USA in the early days of the pandemic, the Liga MAC Board took the financially responsible decision not to replace that employee. Now that normal operations have resumed including regular in-person classes, the vacant position was posted. Happily the position of Education Co-ordinator has been filled by Maggie Martinez. Maggie, a qualified teacher who is finishing her Masters of Education, will be responsible for organizing the registration process, student contracts and files and co-ordinating Liga MAC programs.

Knick Nac Tournament - Organizers Dick and Linda Myers have passed along a reminder for their fundraising golf tournament later this fall:

“Dick and Linda along with Carol and Jon Clark donned their classic plus 4's (knickers) to play a practice round in preparation for the 14th Annual Knick NAC tournament on November 30,2023. The tournament raises much needed funds that provides educational assistance to over 300 children in San Jose.  Mark your calendars for November 30th, 2023 for the tournament. Remember it is "for fun, for tradition, and for the children.”

Primera Carrera por la Educación - Ricardo Graillet, a licensed marathon and healthy lifestyle coach, has organized a “Race for Education” on April 30 benefitting Liga MAC. The 5 km race is open to the first 250 walkers, joggers, runners who sign up and pay the participation fee. The race will commence from Plaza Mijares extend to Tortuga Bay and return to Plaza Mijares. Our appreciation goes to our generous sponsors Terramar DMC, Baja Luna, El Armario and Dental Health. For more information or to sponsor a runner please contact Liga MAC’s Elva Haro at elva@ligamac.org.

As we all know, COVID is now under control and mask requirements have been lifted in all areas except medical centers. This has increased the number of colds that we have seen in medical centers, with the majority being viral infections that self resolve. Although we are no longer required to wear masks, remember that basic practices like hand washing, antibacterial gel use and not sharing beverages, or food can decrease your risk of acquiring illness in general, not just COVID 19.

The state government has increased Medical brigades in communities that have low income or access to medical services and these continue to be offered in different areas of Los Cabos since the end of March.These medical services are focused on prevention and detection of conditions in order to reach timely medical diagnoses and provide effective treatments to improve the quality of life of patients. Many of our students live in these areas and this provides an opportunity for health care for their families and them. 

Over the past 26 years, Liga MAC has built an amazing circle of friends including you. Each of you has brought something to the table to help enrich the lives of thousands in San Jose del Cabo through your generosity of spirit and resources. Whether it is a word of mouth testimonial, volunteer hours, a financial contribution, donated furnishings for our new Learning Centre or like our employee Consuelo, advocating through her work at Liga MAC, our Liga MAC team is making a difference in the lives of our students and their families.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Maria Lindenberg, President

Liga MAC Board of Directors