Happy September and welcome back to school! This year it seems parents are going back to school along with their kids. Your first day of school was probably a little different this year, and hopefully you were able to find ways to continue any traditions you may have. We have loved seeing the different first day of school pictures that come with remote learning! Our students in Mexico are finding creative ways to create a classroom environment in their own homes, even if it means sharing a desk with 4 other siblings. Below you'll meet Yazmín, a hero among the kids in our Cumbres community center and you'll also see ways to support the return to online school in San Diego. Lastly, keep up to date with our Despensas de Luz program and support our battle against hunger as a result of Covid-19. We wish you the best of luck this school year (to both students and parents), may you continue to have much patience and find moments of joy and connection in our remote world. |
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When schools in Mexico closed their doors earlier this year, remote learning as we know it was almost unthinkable for the majority of the population who does not have access to a computer or internet at home. After a month of deliberation and planning, the Secretary of Education announced classes would be held across 6 channels on the TV and over the radio. Classes resumed in April, with those students who have access to a computer and internet attending synchronous classes. |
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The majority of students attend class through the TV, which has a set schedule for all grade levels that runs 24/7. The hardest part about attending class through the TV is the inability of the students to ask teachers questions! Therefore although parents may not have studied to become teachers, they have to step up to the plate. Can you imagine being the teacher for 5 kids all in different grade levels? It is especially hard for those parents who didn't complete school themselves, so they are learning the curriculum along with their children. We are sure many of you have also assumed a teaching role with the transition to remote learning, do you have any tips to share with our communities?? |
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Community Leader Spotlight |
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Though only 22 years old, Yazmín is a loving mother and wife and inspiring community leader. Maybe you have seen Yazmín at our Cumbres community center, and if not she will definitely leave a lasting impression when you meet her. Since we built the Cumbres community center in 2013, Yazmín has been actively involved in leading youth groups and classes for children as well as helping lead the breakfast club every morning. Yazmín has a unique way with the kids, radiating love yet garnering immense respect. There is only one person who can successfully keep sugar-loaded kids in line for the piñata at our Christmas parties and that is Yazmín. When she is not working in the community center, Yazmín enjoys singing and dancing with her two sons, Samuel (5) and Natanael (3). We miss Yazmín's loving and joyful energy and are counting down the days until we can see her again! |
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Back to School in San Diego |
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The transition to remote learning left thousands of students without easy access to education. California’s education system is struggling to keep up with the demands of remote learning as a result of Covid-19, and low income students are being hit the hardest. Students who do not have access to a computer at home typically used the school or public library to complete assignments online, but the closure of such institutions has left them without access to an entirely remote curriculum. Help us provide students in the San Diego area access to the education deserve. Join us to provide them opportunities for success through the donation of any used electronic device or accessory. Thank you for helping students in San Diego stay engaged and active with their education! |
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Although the team at Faro de Luz is accustomed to spending time with their community three times a week, they are finding so much joy in being able to visit every Sunday to provide community members with a meal. For some families, this is the only meal they will eat on Sunday, and it means much more than filling a stomach - it fills their hearts with support and love from our Faro de Luz team and Casas de Luz community. |
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In place of the breakfast club, our community center at Cumbres is delivering groceries to families and medical supplies to the elderly. Every month the team delivers groceries to 10-12 families in the community, which is about 80-100 individuals! Families are so thankful for the extra help, especially now that kids are doing school from home. Having access to nutrition allows them to power their brain to fully engage and learn. |
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Every month we deliver groceries to over 65 families experiencing desperation and hunger as a result of the pandemic. Inflation and unemployment in Venezuela exacerbates the uncertainty we are all experiencing, and in communities with no other access to aid, families are beyond grateful for your support. Join us to continue fighting hunger and providing hope! |
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Sheds are at the end of the parking lot of the church if coming from the North. If you are coming from the South, take Via de la Valle and drive towards the ocean. On Del Mar Downs Road, turn right and continue until the end of the road where you will turn left. Drive left up the hill and the sheds will be on your left! There is a rope protecting our sheds from being a dump zone, so feel free to drop off usable donations right there! Please contact us so we know to expect it!
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Casas de Luz . www.casasdeluz.org . A UUFSD social action program. |
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