Kinder Las Rosas / Isla El Verano / Las Ladrilleras

This project is to build a kindergarten in colonia Las Rosas, Isla El Verano or El Campesino.

There is no other Kindergarten in Las Rosas nor el Campesino. The current one has 9 students but parents take their children to farther away locations or keep them out of kindergarten. The school has no permanent location. They are currently housed in a borrowed location and will need to move from there shortly to find another home. The school’s formal name is Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez.

The parents of the community have acquired land from the Ejido, fenced it and put down a foundation.

This project has a number of challenges. The location of the acquired land is too far from the center of the community. Roads in the area will be pure mud during the rainy season. As the community expands it will be a fine location because it could also serve the fast growing colonia of Piedra Bola. A more central location would be preferable. The first step of the project will be to attempt to find land more centrally located. (Feb 2011: that has now been accomplished)

We are seeking participation of private individuals and Rotary clubs across North America. If you are interested in contributing to this project contact Johan at jaltembajal@gmail.com.

This project placed second in the list of priorities as decided by the parents for the 2010 – 2011 season.

Cost of the project including a classroom and a bathroom: 260,000 pesos (US$22,000).

History of the project:

Feb 2, 2012 – John and Mary Mulrooney from Ladysmith Rotary visit the project with friends.

Jan 14, 2012 – Volunteer day 2 – click for details

Dec. 14, 2011 – Volunteer Day – click for details

November 21, 2011 – Beams installed

November 6, 2011 – Last week construction was finally begun on the kindergarten. After the new municipal government took office we once again initiated discussions with the community about the land which was designated for the kindergarten. Following several meetings there was still opposition to the use of the land. Although there appeared to be a clear majority in favour we decided to protect los Amigo’s good name and look for another location. That was found just across the river from Las Rosas in colonia Las Ladrilleras.

May 3, 2011 – At the regular meeting of the education committee it was decided to wait out the political process before proceeding with the discussions about the land available to the kindergarten. That probably means construction will not start until August at the earliest.

March 2011 – Budget committee of Los Amigos allocated funds to their education committee to build the project.

February 22, 2011 - land is officially assigned to the kindergarten but local residents challenge the use of the land for a kindergarten causing further delays in starting the project.

February 1, 2011 – we are informed that the land has been acquired in Las Rosas so construction can begin any time.

January 17, 2011: – parents of the kindergarten put on a very nice meal to give thanks to the donors and volunteers who did the renovation which will make the borrowed house more habitable while we await completion of the new kindergarten.

December 25, 2010 – A renovation starts on the borrowed house where the Kindergarten is located. A new floor is poured and painting and lighting is planned. Read this.

September 2010:
The kindergarten is relocated to another borrowed building. Soraida Aguirre becomes the new teacher. Parents put a tar-paper roof on the building.

February 2010 – the project places second in the voting of the Los Amigos of La Peñita education committee project selection but availability of a suitable location puts the project on hold.