I.

Introduction
Two blocks away from one of the principle avenues in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, is a small community that is called La Via. Less than ten years ago, the train passed through this community that is now made up of about one hundred families and has suffered from a lack of resources and education in its past. Ten years ago, a kindergarten called Centro Educativo La Buena Tierra (Educational Center The Good Earth) came to life in the community of La Via. This school year, 2009-2010, La Buena Tierra opened an elementary school with first and second grade, with the vision to increase in size every year. This same year, the kindergarten celebrates ten years serving the community. The school has achieved abundant accomplishments in its years in La Via, and it is time to look in depth, from a variety of perspectives, at what the school has offered to the community.1 The objectives of this project are three-fold: first, it will tell the story of La Via as a community, and the history of La Buena Tierra, as a school within that community; second, it will look at the accomplishments of the school and at the changes in the community as a result of the outreach of the school; third, it will serve as a model to help those who have interest in similar community development work focused around the schooling of young children. In addition, it will serve as a general story of La Buena Tierra and as a memory for those who have worked and served there.

The methodology of this project was based on and entrusted to extensive interviewing. Several different groups of people who have been involved with La Buena Tierra in one way or another were asked if they could be interviewed. These groups included the following: the Board of La Buena Tierra, the current teachers at La Buena Tierra, past and current students at La Buena Tierra, current scholarship recipients, families of La Via, and those who have been connected to La Buena Tierra through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) (http://mcc.org) including both MCC representatives and year-long volunteers. Interviews were conducted both in verbal, face-to-face interviews, and in written, completed questionnaires. Individuals in each of these groups of people were asked the same set of questions as others in their group. Group sets of questions were based on their involvement and knowledge base and were open-ended questions. The families of La Via were also asked to respond to a Likert-scale questionnaire.

II.Methodology

This report was requested by Lizy Marroqun, director of La Buena Tierra, and was written by a volunteer from MCC working at La Buena Tierra during the school year 2009-2010.
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Generally speaking, there was a great response to the request of interviews. The majority of those asked were willing to participate and contributed their wealth of knowledge and distinct perspective to the project. Community interviews were done randomly; the interviewer simply went door to door, to every house in La Via, asking if families were willing to participate in the project. Of the approximately 100 families that live there, 43 interviews were conducted. The majority of the other families were not home, and a few chose not to participate.

III. History of La Via

La Via is an urban-slum community in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico that is about fifty years old. The first inhabitants to arrive to what is now called La Via found an empty countryside area, where cows pastured, and the train passed through. At the time, this area was outside of the city. Much has changed since then, including the growing up of the city of Cuernavaca around La Via, but in a way La Via remains its own pueblito (little village) situated in the middle of an extremely wealthy and touristy city. The majority of those who came to and settled in this area where the train used to pass did so as squatters with nowhere else to go. They simply landed there and made their houses out of whatever materials they found. Although the people of La Via own their houses, they do not own the land that the houses sit on; in fact, the land technically belongs to the government. In the past, the families of La Via have experienced a lack of resources, both tangible and abstract. Beyond the general lack of monetary resources, they have lacked basic services such as electricity, water, telephone lines, and lighting in the streets. The have lacked larger abstract resources such as safety, cleanliness, the coexistence of neighbors, hygiene, a sense of community, and confidence. There has been a lack of education of both adults and children. Few families have placed much importance in education, and there has been a high rate of children dropping out of school. In addition, the community has also lacked someone to accompany those who live there and to advocate for them, which resulted in a community without a voice. As a community without a voice, La Via has never really existed in the eyes of the greater city of Cuernavaca. The government has not involved itself in La Via nor looked after its needs as a government should, nor has it provided basic government services. La Via has been given a bad name, as many believe it to be extremely dangerous - full of thieves and delinquents. It has been a community abandoned by, and simply not even seen by, the government nor the police. Those who have lived in La Via in the past have experienced oppression from various sources. Historically, the men would not allow their wives to have jobs, 2

or even to leave the house. In addition, the community has lacked fathers and male role models. Many children are raised by single mothers, as the fathers have either never been part of their lives, are in jail, or have emigrated. Many males have gone to the United States to seek work, and the community as a whole has historically viewed the United States as the only way in which to improve their lives, as the ultimate triumph. When asked what the community has lacked in the past, one woman who has lived in La Via for over thirty years, said the following, The whole time it has been the same, not one day more, not one day less, its been the same. We have to work, in whatever we can, but we have to work. 2

IV. La Via Today

Today La Via is a place very much the same, and yet very different from La Via that was just described. To paint a general picture, La Via is its own separate marginalized squatters community located right in the middle of Cuernavaca, a wealthy city of about one million inhabitants. The most visible change in the community is the great achievement that half of La Via accomplished in the paving of their street just this past spring, 2010. In 2006, the government took out the train tracks and left the street as a dirt road that turned into an impassable stream when it rained. This past year has been filled with meeting after meeting as the community members have organized themselves and advocated for the pavement of their street. On April 15, 2010, the community celebrated the inauguration of their street, which included not only a paved street, but also a drainage system and individual water intakes. The director of the school explained her sentiments about the accomplishment of the street as follows: I am extremely impressed by what they are doing with the street. Its to have everyone be in agreement. And that was very difficultbut theyre achieving it. Before they couldnt do that. But everyone dreams of having all that, a clean street, etc. Although many of the things that La Via has lacked historically are no longer as scarce, there still exists an absence of many resources in the community. The thing most commonly noted as lacking by members of the community itself is lighting in the street. The resource that is lacking the most, as noted by those outside the community, is fathers and male role models. Others noted a lack of security, a lack of a sense of unity among the community, and a lack of access to health care. The people of La Via, as described by a member of the Board of Directors, are: people without preparation, without studies, with many traditions, but [who] dont have a vision of what they could be. They are marginalized;
The majority of interviews were conducted in Spanish. Comments appearing as direct quotes in this document have been translated from Spanish to English.
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they themselves believe that they cant do it, that they cant change their status. For them its unattainableThey themselves dont want to better themselves to overcome. They dont have the capacity to see what they could beThey are in situations that dont allow them to grow or see. Taking into account only the 43 members of the community who were interviewed, of those who consider themselves married, 66 percent are legally married, and 33 percent are cohabitating or in a common law union. The members of the community generally work in the following sectors: Labor (24%): o Painter: 2 persons o Construction Worker: 4 persons o Gardener/Landscaper: 5 persons o Factory Worker: 2 persons Professional (5%): o Engineer: 1 persons o Historian: 1 persons o Computer Technician: 1 persons Service (47%) o Cleaner: 9 persons o Taxi Driver/Chauffer: 4 persons o Security Guard: 3 persons o Maintenance Worker: 1 persons o Mechanic: 1 persons o Copy Machine Repairer: 1 persons o Gym Staff: 1 persons o Moving Company Worker: 1 persons o Gas Station Service Worker: 1 persons o Maker and Seller of Food: 4 persons Retail (15%): o Supermarket Worker: 1 persons o Sandal Maker: 1 persons o Butcher: 1 persons o Commercial Workers: 5 persons Education (2%) o Instrument Teacher: 1 persons Unemployed (7%): 4 persons The average weekly household income of those interviewed is 1,362 pesos (which is equivalent to around 113 U.S. dollars). Education continues to be something lacking in the community; of those interviewed, seven percent of the adults in the community have completed further education, that is, posthigh school. Seven percent finished high school, thirty-three percent finished

middle school, forty percent finished elementary school, and eleven percent did not finish elementary school. The members of La Via also suffer from many health issues, due often to a lack of access to health care. While forty-one percent of those interviewed reported no one in the house having health issues, thirty-eight percent reported incidence of diabetes, and twenty-six percent reported incidence of other health issues. Religion plays a strong part in many peoples lives in La Via; fifty percent claim to follow Catholicism, twenty-three percent claim to follow Christianity, and fifteen percent claim following other religions. Only twelve percent reported not following a religion. As clearly noted, the people of La Via have suffered much in their lives but are moving forward and have much to offer. When asked what they would change if they could change one thing about their lives, sixty-one percent said that they would not change anything; they are content. It is inspiring, knowing the daily struggles that this community faces, that such a majority would respond that they are happy and would not change a thing about their lives, even if they could. La Via was described as a community of people who have suffered much but are very creative and know how to survive with very few resources. The community is made up of very hard workers and emotionally strong individuals. They are warm people who make one feel a part of their community. They themselves have become like a big family; they are a strong community with a shared and distinct identity. Despite everything they are lacking, they exude a sense of hope and simplicity. They are positive people, pacifists, and hard workers.

V.History of La Buena Tierra

In the midst of the story that is La Via, exists another story of hope and inspiration: that of La Buena Tierra. In 1998, an organization called Amextra (www.amextra.org) established sewing classes with the women of La Via to give them the tools to find work and income. However, many women were unable to attend the classes because they had to take care of their children. The leader of the Amextra program in La Via invited Lizy Marroquin, the founder and current director of La Buena Tierra, to help with the Amextra program by taking care of the children so that the mothers would be available to learn in the sewing workshops. Beginning with that invitation, Lizy began to involve herself in the lives of the children and the families of La Via. On Tuesday mornings she would take the children to the library for two hours, and there she started a little school of sorts with a friend of hers who is a teacher. During that process, Lizy realized that the kids were hungry, so she started providing breakfast as well. The children that went to the library with Lizy on Tuesday mornings attended 5

school in the afternoons. The mothers of the children who attended schools in the mornings asked Lizy if she would be willing to come another day in the afternoons to give classes to those children as well. That is how it all began: tutoring on Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. Throughout her time working with these children on Mondays and Tuesdays, Lizy came to realize a lot of things. She discovered that the children were struggling and not doing well in school. She discovered that these children had not attended preschool and had started elementary school without any prior knowledge: In the elementary school they teach them to read and write in one month. They didnt have the abilities of rhythm, of up and down, of the hands, the mental processes. They arrived with nothing. What they do in elementary school, how is someone going to accomplish or solve that without having gone to school before? Lizy realized that the reason these kids were struggling in school was because they didnt have the base of a preschool or kindergarten education. Not only were students from La Via struggling in school, but there was also a high desertion rate in elementary school. Many children were dropping out by third grade, due to many factors including a lack of resources, lack of comprehension of their situation, lack of prior knowledge and a good educational or learning foundation, having had the handicap of not having been to preschool. Many of those children who dropped out were beginning to work at that young age, and were in reality being exploited. Taking note of all of these inequities, Lizy began to have talks and meetings with the mothers in the community. Lizy explains, I had meetings with those moms, and I said to them, And if I start a preschool, would you send your kids? And they all said Yes! But I tell you, those words did not come from me. They came from God. When asked about the challenges of starting the school, Lizy explains: I didnt know a thing. I didnt have anything: lists, budgets, a career in education, nothing. I think that God has carried this project because I didnt know a thing. I said okay, Ill do it, but I dont know how. I learned a lot personally. It was an exercise in faith, and my faith has increased like this (as she holds her arms open wide). So with her faith, Lizy decided to start a preschool in the middle of La Via, although she claims she hardly knew what she was doing: It was good to enter something that you didnt know where it was going. It was extremely interesting. One of the first doors she knocked on was that of Colegio London (http://www.londonschool.edu.mx/), a school in Cuernavaca that is blessed with an abundance of monetary and material resources. Lizy explained to the director there that she was starting a preschool, and she hoped they would be able to donate used materials, things that they no longer needed. They agreed to help, but refused to donate used items; instead, they donated new materials and items, and have continued to do so throughout the past ten years. 6

An elderly woman in the community, who had rented her land with houses made of tin sheets to Amextra, agreed to rent (and four years later, sell) the space for the school. It was extremely rundown and in need of much work before school could start. Sara Yoder, representative of the Mennonite Central Committee in Mexico at the time, got her home church in Ohio to donate money to get the school started. The whole community pitched in to get the physical school ready to open. They helped paint, clean, and a myriad of other things in order to prepare to open. On September 17, 2000, the inauguration of the school was celebrated. When the doors of La Buena Tierra opened that first year, eleven students attended. A friend of Lizys from her church, Thalia, agreed to be the teacher at the school. They provided breakfast for the students, played together, and learned from one another. Story hour was a big hit with the students, as Lizy would read them stories every day. In addition to being fun, story hour promoted the importance of reading in life, something the kids had not been exposed to before. Another novelty for the kids, and for the community, was the schools use of the silla de pensar (the thinking/time out chair). It was a new way to discipline without violence, something very new for the parents, and something the kids took very seriously. With these novelties and new surprises every day, the school grew and learned day by day. By the end of the first year, twenty students were attending La Buena Tierra. Although it took a little while to gain the trust of some families, generally speaking the community welcomed Lizy and La Buena Tierra into their community with excitement and anticipation. Of the community members interviewed, ninety percent said they were happy to hear that La Buena Tierra was going to be started in their community. One mother explained, We were all excited about the idea that a school was going to comea place close by for us, for our children. A place different from the others. Another expressed, I had met Lizy before because of the classes of regularization (tutoring). I took my kids. From there, I saw that she loved the kids and she wanted to support us. Despite the general support and excitement, Lizy did have to deal with many who were hesitant to trust her. Many people had doubts and did not think the plan was going to work. Many did not send their kids to the school at first. But when they saw that it was a good thing, and was going to last, they started sending their kids. One volunteer at the school explains, It took awhile for Lizy to gain the trust of the families in La Via just as it takes any outsider entering a strong established community to gain the trust of the people. Lizy herself said, They didnt welcome me. They thought, And how long is this going to last? I gained their confidence through their kids, but over a long period of time. For many years, they didnt believe in me.

In addition to building relationships with parents, finding sufficient monetary funds that first year was a constant challenge. One of Lizys personal challenges was asking for money; she felt embarrassed to ask for money, but when she realized that she wasnt asking for herself, but for a cause, it was okay. One issue that she had to confront was that she needed money, but people kept donating things. She realized one of her gifts was being able to convert things into money. Its not easy for people to donate money, so they turned the donated items into money by fixing them up and presenting them in nice bags with ribbons, and selling them. They were able to come up with a lot of money this way. Through all the donations that Lizy received that first year, and has continued to receive throughout the years, Lizy has nourished a state of gratitude. She explains: Its so impressive the number of good people there are. They dont show up in the news, but I am impressed with the number of people that help others without charging. Someone in a beauty salon heard the person next to her talking with her hairdresser about La Buena Tierra and said I want to help and go there. And now she comes every Monday to help with tutoring. Same with the English teacher. She was a friend of a friend of mine and wanted to help because she didnt have a job; shes just a mom, and wanted to help or do something. Its like a tree; the people who know about La Buena Tierra go and talk to other people and then those people want to help too. And then they go and tell other people about it and then they want to help too. Be it sponsoring, or helping, or with money, materials, etc. There are so many good people everywhere. Why isnt that in the news? Daily the bad people are in the news, but never the good people. In this country people hate Americans, but there are many [Americans] that arent in the news because theyre the minority. They are very generous and when they commit to something they dont ever stop giving the money. They believe in this project and they fulfill and fulfill and fulfill. I work with a part of the United States that isnt the government nor the system. Its the good part. The first year of La Buena Tierra was full of challenges, unending discovery and joy. Although it was a school that started with only eleven students, Lizy says it has always been something very serious, as if it were a big school. Describing the challenge and excitement of starting the school, an MCC worker says: It has always had to be a project that kept going day by day, month by month, year by year. In this context it is always going to be hard to plan the future with security because you cant count on many fixed resources, but what is possible and what is important is to dream.

VI. La Buena Tierra

Mission Above all, the purpose of La Buena Tierra is to provide quality education for the students who live in La Via, both preparing them for future schooling and providing them with the tools necessary to have a high quality of life. The following text from a pamphlet to solicit donations, produced by La Buena Tierra, explains the school and its mission as follows: A solution for Mexico: The Integral Education We are a civil association, non-profit, that for eight years is committed to the childhood in a marginalized zone in Cuernavaca, that has offered to a group of children in this community, an education, a quality of life, nutrition, values that dignify and habits of hygiene; with the goal that at the end of the three years of preschool formation that is the base for learning ones entire life we accomplish an impact in our community. The educational issues in our country are very big, due to the lack of personal attention in the carrying out of work. In La Buena Tierra we want to contribute and be part of the solution, but we offer an integral education, personalized and committed, so that through education we can learn, listen, discern, and advance. The mission of La Buena Tierra is to give kids a fighting chance when they get into higher grades, and to help ensure success in their educational future. The mission of the school is not only to improve education, but to accompany and assist the growth of the kids, both in school and in life: to give the kids of La Via the opportunity to develop themselves in order to have and accomplish something more than their parents could, so that they can give something back to the community. La Buena Tierra hopes to walk along side students throughout their childhood, and, if possible, throughout their adolescence, offering a good, educational, and moral space. Through the children, La Buena Tierra also seeks to help the community of La Via, above all else, seeking to provide a good quality of life for everyone. It hopes to better the quality of education, in the homes, and in the families. La Buena Tierra creates a place to educate children in order to educate their parents. It hopes to serve families in need by providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for their children where they can learn abundantly and be prepared to move forward into the next steps of life. One volunteer at the school explained her understanding of the mission of La Buena Tierra as follows: In the most abstract sense, I guess I always saw La Buena Tierra as a kind of symbol of hope and change. I really saw it bringing community members together. The school works to stress the value of education in the community, and with that, give a vision to the children and the parents of what is possible with education.

Services and Support In order to achieve its purpose and mission, La Buena Tierra offers a myriad of services and support to the students and the community. Educationally speaking, La Buena Tierra currently offers three preschool classes, two elementary school classes, and tutoring (called regularizacin) for elementary and middle school students. In addition, La Buena Tierra offers the opportunity of scholarships for youth to further their education. Generally speaking, it offers support in schooling for the students in La Via. More than just offering a better education to the community, La Buena Tierra offers a good example for the kids, and for everyone in La Via. Being exposed to what goes on at the school, the parents see a model for how to educate in their homes as well. The kids take what they learn in school and go home and teach those things in their houses. It is a huge help to the whole family. People who have worked at La Buena Tierra have noted how incredible it is that one can intervene with the parents, and the families, through their children. Children are the channels through which an impact on the family can be made. The families begin to receive the things that their kids are receiving as well. La Buena Tierra offers countless other services and ideals to the community. Included (but not limited to) are the following (as noted by community members and others involved with the school): good relations between families, sponsors for the children, learning, well-being, the word of God, someone to worry about the kids, food, support and love. It provides the students with the ability to move forward and not remain in something bad, but to do whats possible for themselves and for the community. The school is a beautiful place that La Via can claim as its own, giving the people and families there a sense of pride and confidence. In addition, La Buena Tierra has offered the community a voice, something they did not have before. Through Lizy, the people have found someone to give them voice, and to advocate on their behalf and for their wellbeing. Lizy is a resource for the families of La Via who, at times, do not know where to turn when issues and crises arise. Lizy has connections to services and persons, and is able to direct families to particular places or people who will help them out. In addition to being an extensive resource, Lizy herself with her life and her leadershipis providing a different model of being a woman. And as such, there are many things she is inspiring, such as values, [a different] mentality, and culture. In a culture that is male dominated, and in a community where women have historically been oppressed, Lizy is offering a new view of the role of women, and inspiring the women of La Via to break out of their stereotypical roles. La Buena Tierra, through its intentional education of the kids, and through the subsequent teaching of the parents, has brought a new set of values to the 10

community of La Via. Lizy says that the three main values that have been taught in the community are education, honesty, and respect. She says, The importance of education is my principle objective. But she is referring to education in every way, not just colors, numbers, and learning how to read and write. The community members and others involved with the school have named the following as values that La Buena Tierra offers to the students and the families of La Via: respect, fellowship, equality, friendship, solidarity, unity, and thankfulness. The school lives out and offers the example of an environment of respect and equality for all. It offers exposure to alternatives, to ideas and ways of doing things that the community has simply not been exposed to before. The school is living out the values of the Kingdom of God, and by doing so, cultivating a community filled with these values as well. Escuela para Padres (School for Parents) Once a month, the parents of the children at La Buena Tierra are invited to attend Escuela para Padres (literally, School for Parents). The pastor, and head of the Board, leads the parents in discussions and lessons on a variety of topics, all with the end goal of bettering themselves as persons and as parents. One parent explained, They open our eyes to how to treat our children, and [how to] have patience. Another said that the classes make so that you see your way of living, you [can] confront your problems with security, and more than anything, they give you security to think and make decisions. The majority of community members said Escuela para Padres talked mainly about how to treat and educate ones children. It also discusses topics such as marriage and family. Lizy explains the need for these sessions: Many times, when there are problems [between parents and children], the one that has the problem is the mom, not the child. There are problems with being parents. So, where are they going to learn, if there isnt a place to teach them? She continues, The parents are not well educated, so its just that they dont have the resources or havent even heard of other ways to deal with their kids. We give them other ideas of ways to be good parents and raise their children well. Escuela para Padres was described as being a way to involve the parents of the families in moments of orientation, and can be a time of awareness and solidarity. Escuela para Padres offers the parents a forum in which to learn more about themselves, about their children, and about how to better raise and educate their children. It has offered alternative forms of discipline for parents that often resort to hitting their children in order to discipline them. It has offered ideas of limits, of self-esteem, of combating machismo, of alternative discipline strategies, and of creating healthy and happy marriages and families. Regularizacin (Tutoring) 11

Lizys work in La Via began with classes of regularizacin of tutoring kids to assist them in their educational endeavors. And although that work developed into the preschool La Buena Tierra, the tutoring classes have not ceased to exist. Due to the deficiency of education provided in the government schools, La Buena Tierra offers tutoring to help the students with their studies. Every Monday afternoon, for an hour-and-a-half, students in La Via, up to age fourteen, come to the school for regularizacin. In addition, the students who attend school in the afternoons are welcome to come to regularizacin classes on Tuesday mornings. During this time, teachers, volunteers, and youth/young adults from La Via help students with their homework, reinforce concepts that are being taught in school, and accompany the students in their school and their lives. Regularizacin has two main goals. First, it strives to help students in their studies, reinforcing concepts learned in school and offering additional explanation. It strives to bring students who are struggling up to the level necessary to move on in their schooling. Secondly, as Lizy and others note, regularizacin seeks to accompany the students, not only in their educational endeavors, but also in their lives in general. Lizy claims that even more than helping these students with their studies, regularizacin exists so that the students are accompanied, so that they know there is someone who cares about them, and on whom they can count. Students who attend regularizacin say that they enjoy going for various reasons. They appreciate having sponsors who help them with required material goods for their schooling such as notebooks and pencils. They are grateful for the additional explanations they receive on school materials. One student said, They explain things well. I understand things better because I come. Another student explained, [Attending regularizacin has helped me] a lot in my learning, in the development of my intelligence, and economically too, in my studies, so that I can continue studying. Scholarships The system of sponsorship, through Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) (www.cfcausa.org), in addition to providing money for the students attending school and regularizacin, also provides money for scholarships. There are several adolescents who, through volunteering their time and energy to help at La Buena Tierra, are receiving scholarships to help further their own education. One teacher explains the system as follows: These kids received the support of their sponsors for many years. And now they are returning that in a form, but for the good of themselves as well. You received, and now you have to give something in return. They are lacking money, but now they have money for that which they needed it. All of those receiving scholarships are extremely grateful for the opportunity they have been given. One scholarship recipient, who helps out at the school 12

two days a week, says that she uses her scholarship money for the costs of her middle school education, including materials, uniforms, etc. She says that if she didnt have the scholarship, she would probably just stay at home. Another scholarship recipient, who helps every day at the school, uses her scholarship money to pay for her tuition in beauty school. She says that if it werent for the scholarship, she wouldnt be studying; as a fifteen year old, she would be working, probably cleaning houses because thats all she would be capable of doing. Yet another scholarship recipient, who helps with regularizacin and other tasks, uses her scholarship money to help pay her college tuition, and all other materials they ask of her. She says, It would be very difficult to continue studying [without the scholarship], because I need money for food, and copies, and materials, and tuition. With the help of her scholarship, however, she is able to continue studying. She is currently studying to be a teacher and hopes to one day open her own preschool. Board of Directors In order to fulfill the legal obligation of a Civil Association, La Buena Tierra has a mesa directiva, or board of directors. Not only does it exist because of legal requirements, but also because it helps to give direction, offer assistance, and support Lizy in her work at La Buena Tierra. The mesa directiva helps keep the work of the school on track, and be reminded of their original purpose. Lizy explains that the people who make up her mesa directiva are people that are around, that know well, that love the school a lotits like choosing godparents to baptize your children. If I die, they are the ones that are going to be responsible for my kids if Im not aroundtheyre going to be around to make sure nothing happens. The mesa directiva helps Lizy to make decisions, to follow the original vision and purpose, and to offer support in various ways to La Buena Tierra. Sister School Colegio London La Buena Tierra has a sister school, Colegio London, that has helped since the very beginning. Since the first year, Colegio London has donated uniforms, tables, chairs, and new materials. One teacher explains, Since its a big school, with economic possibilities, they help with material; they help and support this school. They offer to La Buena Tierra, a small school with few resources, the experience of a big school in terms of material and ideas. If London hears of a course that is being given, they invite the teachers of La Buena Tierra. In addition, at Christmas, the students of Colegio London throw a big Christmas party for the students of La Buena Tierra, where they all spend time together and celebrate the Christmas festivities. This relationship is one in which kids from both schools learn to know each other and give support. They learn a sense of collaboration and that everyone is equal. Lizy explains that the people of Colegio London are very proud to be able to help us because they have seen that [La Buena Tierra] is a very different contextLondon, through us, has grown a lot, they have learned to 13

think about others. For them [this relationship] has served to see other points of view, and it has served us in that we have access to things that we never would have had. Sponsors from the United States The students at La Buena Tierra are supported financially through a sponsorship program called Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) (www.cfcausa.org),. Sponsors, the majority of whom are from the United States, each economically supports one specific child that attends La Buena Tierra. In addition to helping pay a portion of the overall cost for each child to attend the school, sponsors are encouraged to write letters to their sponsored child and to cultivate a sense of care and encouragement. Sponsors and students write letters back and forth to one another, through translators and CFCA, several times throughout the year. One teacher explains this relationship as follows: Its goodWithout knowing, the sponsors trust that their money is being put to good use, that their money is helping so that the people dont [migrate] to the United States. [And they cultivate the idea that] if someone trusts in me, I can trust in someone else, someone that doesnt even know me. Lizy says she respects the sponsors immensely, and that they are the only ones thinking[about the need to] educate a kid so that they wont go to the United States. Several interviewees suggested that La Buena Tierra should seek funding from within Mexico, instead of relying on sponsors from the United States. However, many Mexicans explained that finding enough sponsors and financial funding from within Mexico to cover costs would not be possible. Several interviewees mentioned that, culturally speaking, Mexicans are not trustworthy, and often spend money frivolously, without following through with promises and commitments. Others believe that having sponsors from the United States creates and furthers issues between the two countries. One volunteer explained that this system of sponsorship creates the false idea that all North Americans are rich. Another said that it feeds the idea that La Buena Tierra is only possible because of help from the United States. In addition, another volunteer stated that it furthers stereotypes that the sponsors themselves have of those in Mexico. Lizy explains that, although it may be true that these sponsors are paying so as not to see, she is calm and content about that, because, thanks to them, the school exists because of what they give. Financial Resources One of the biggest challenges in starting a project like La Buena Tierra is finding the financial resources to start it and sustain it. Throughout the past ten years, three main sources of financial assistance have sustained La Buena Tierra: Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) (http://mcc.org), Christian 14

Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) (www.cfcausa.org), and the parents of the families of La Via. Parents of students who attend La Buena Tierra are expected to pay approximately one-fourth of the cost for one child to attend the school. However, if parents are unable to pay with money, they have other opportunities to pay. Through an exchange of services, many families pay for their childs education, generally helping with the cleaning of the school. And yet, despite the opportunity to pay through an exchange of services, there are still some parents who do not pay. Lizy says, there are some who have never paid a single peso, but I have never not allowed their children to enter the school because of money. One volunteer explains that having the parents pay is a good thing: Really people value what they have to. Im against free handouts. You have to learn that everything comes with a price and a value. To some extent they have to protect their childs education, and have to take responsibility and ownership for their childs education. Lizy explains that, by paying, be it with money or cleaning, parents are teaching their children the values of being responsible and following through with commitments. She says that even if she had all the donations in the world, she would still insist that parents pay for part of their childs education, that this is extremely important to give value to education. Religion Every community member that was interviewed said that they appreciate the way religion is dealt with at La Buena Tierra. One woman said that she believes education shouldnt have anything to do with religion, but that personally, for her family, she was glad that it was addressed at the school. The community members reported being glad that their children are taught to pray and how to pray, and to give thanks for what they have and are receiving. They like that their children, from a young age, are learning that God exists, that there is a being out there that loves them unconditionally, takes care of them, and is the giver of all things, and that the children are growing and learning in God. The community recognizes that if they send their children to La Buena Tierra, there will be prayer, there will be Bible stories, and their children will be taught that God exists. But they also recognize that the school does not get involved in religions. There are many religions, they say, but there is the same God. Lizy respects the different religious backgrounds that each child represents. Others who have worked with La Buena Tierra report the same respect for all religions. One teacher explains, the prayers that we pray they say in all religionsLizy has created an environment so that the kids know that there is a superior being. Another teacher recognizes that if [La Buena Tierra] was a Christian school there would be many people who wouldnt be able to 15

enter. As someone clearly explained, This [lack of teaching a specific faith tradition] is key so that Catholic moms, Evangelical moms, [moms] of any religious tradition, can accept La Buena Tierra as a good pace to have their children. As such, the school opens many doors, instead of closing them. The school does not teach any theology in particular, simply that God exists, and that we should love each other as God has loved us. This is evident in the values that are taught in the school, as well as in the way in which discipline is carried out. Lizy says very clearly, This is a school with religious values. I am upfront about it, so that there are no surprises. She continues, I think this is a place neutral in religion, but not in God. If they dont believe in God, well, then go to another school, because Im going to talk every day about God. She says, I am here because of my faithand [the school exists] because God sustains it. Uniforms Students at La Buena Tierra, despite their lack of monetary resources, are required to wear a uniform to school. After the first year, in which students did not wear uniforms, the mothers of the community asked Lizy for uniforms. In Mexico, school uniforms are common, if not required by all. But even more so in the context of La Via, uniforms have offered many advantages to the children. The uniforms have taken away the action of comparing. Since some students who attend the school have more possibilities than others, if they were allowed to wear whatever they wanted, comparisons and discrepancies would run rampant. Instead, with uniforms, everyone looks the same. Another advantage, as one volunteer explains, is that uniforms give them something to take care of because they are expected to keep their uniforms clean. And it makes the children and families treat and respect their experience as their child going to school, not just daycare. It is yet another example of how much the parents value their childs education. Students attending La Buena Tierra from outside La Via La Buena Tierra was created as a school for the children of La Via. However, there have been several, if not many, students who have attended La Buena Tierra who do not live in La Via. Lizy says that the majority of those students have lied, claiming to live in La Via, in order to be able to attend La Buena Tierra. She says that if she had known the truth, she never would have let them enter; she wants La Buena Tierra to be a place only for those of La Via. She continues, the scholarships are not for [cultural] exchanges. The sponsors dont pay to give money to those that already have it. If I had tons of room, sure we could do that. But thats not what Im here to do. When asked how people felt about this, a variety of responses surfaced.

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First, some believe this is not a good thing. They comment that those living outside La Via can afford to pay full tuition for schools, and that it is unjust that they are using the resources of La Buena Tierra when they could be paying for another school. Although it may present potential for exchange, it also creates some serious challenges. Others say that as long as those who live outside La Via are not taking the spots of children from La Via, that it is fine. One teacher explains that the priority should go one hundred percent to those that need it. Others believe that it should be a case by case kind of decision, that there are some who live outside La Via but who struggle financially and cannot pay the tuition of other schools, therefore making La Buena Tierra a good option. Still others believe that allowing children from outside La Via to attend provides all students with opportunities for deeper growth and learning. One teacher explains that those who come from outside La Via enter a context that is not their own and they teach the kids here. It is a mutual exchange between both groups. One mother whose child attended La Buena Tierra but who does not live in La Via explained, This happened to me, and it was a blessing to find itI believe it is better for those who come from outside. Although they have different levels of things, they can be good friends. One volunteer suggested that if La Buena Tierra were to not allow those from outside La Via to attend the school it would only further divide the children of La Via from everybody else. Another volunteer continues, It can be good for children to learn integration with others who are from outside La Via, but much attention needs to be given to how it is working.

VII. Accomplishments and Changes

What has La Buena Tierra accomplished in its 10 years in La Via? This school year, 2009-2010, the preschool La Buena Tierra celebrates ten years of work and service to the community of La Via. In its ten years there, the school has achieved a myriad of accomplishments. Each group of people interviewed provides a unique perspective to what the school has accomplished: The teachers: More than anything else, the teachers at La Buena Tierra notice that the children in La Via are achieving higher levels of educational success. There is a lower drop-out rate in school, and many students who begin to study at La Buena Tierra have continued studying until high school or, in some cases, even university. The teachers also note that the school has brought about unity within the community. In addition, they note a community that is a different: a cleaner community, a more respectful community, and a safer community. The adults in this community also have received an extensive amount of support through the school. Not only do they receive despensas (handouts of food such as rice and sugar), but they also have available to them contacts that they 17

didnt have before; if they have needs, they know where they can go in order to find things. The changes and support as a result of La Buena Tierra have reached not only the children that attend the school, but the adults of the community as well as the community as a whole. MCC personnel: Those who have been involved at La Buena Tierra through the Mennonite Central Committee have noted many important accomplishments of the school throughout the past ten years. At its core, the school has provided the opportunity for educational success: students graduate from La Buena Tierra prepared for elementary school, there is lower incidence of students dropping out, and more students are continuing their education post elementary school. But beyond these successes, the school has achieved much, much more. The school is a space for the families and children to take care of and feel a sense of pride and ownership. It has brought the community together in a way that it didnt used to, particularly as community members must work together in order to take care of the school. The school has helped parents find work and continue working because they have a safe place to leave their kids. The constant presence and stability of the school provides something that people can count on, builds bridges, and by its consistency alone makes people there feel that they are loved. The school has also achieved a new level of respect for women in the community and has provided the opportunity for women to leave their homes and do something to be economically independent. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, La Buena Tierra, throughout the past ten years, has helped the community of La Via to have a voice, to advocate for themselves, and to seek necessary changes. Students: Students attending regularizacin and receiving scholarships through La Buena Tierra, despite their youth, have also noted changes in the community and accomplishments of the school. More than anything, they recognize the support that they receive, both material and emotional, to continue their schooling. They believe La Buena Tierra has achieved a higher level of studies and education for the children in La Via: Many kids continue studying when before they didnt do that. [The school] better prepares them for their studies. As such, the school has helped nourish better children for the future and progress of Mexico. The Mesa Directiva: La Buena Tierra has achieved a striking impact in the community in every way. The head of the Mesa Directiva states the following as accomplishments of the school. La Buena Tierra has: helped to better the self-esteem of at least fifty women in the community distributed despensas every month, to the families with the highest need who attend Escuela para Padres provided homework support, at the elementary and middle school levels

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 offered courses and workshops that promote self-esteem of women, the parent-child relationship, values of transformation, and other topics in Escuela para Padres. In addition, members of the Mesa Directiva point out the transformation of many womens lives as an accomplishment of La Buena Tierra. One board member explains, In Mexico there is much machismo that harms both society and families. The womans opinion doesnt count. But through Lizys life as an example, the teaching of respect, and the classes of Escuela para Padres, La Buena Tierra has helped the women of the community to demand and receive the respect that they deserve from the men in the community. Lizy Marroqun, director: When asked what the school has accomplished in its ten years in La Via, Lizy began her response with this acknowledgment: I see a point of view that perhaps the community doesnt see, because Im not part of the community. Those who live the changes arent always as able to point out the transformations that have occurred. But Lizy, as someone who does not live in the community, but has been extremely involved in all aspects, has taken note of many changes in the community. First, she notes that this [new] street is because of the school. They have been made capable of organizing themselves...Ten years ago they wouldnt have achieved this. They are capable because of us here at the school. They dont realize it, but its a product of the school. Secondly, Lizy says the school has achieved the education of the people. The adults will wait in line, and wait their turn, and it is not normal that they do that. Lizy believes that, even if the school were to no longer exist in La Via, there are things of order that they have adopted, order outside the house, order for eatingalso praying. For example, one mother says that before she used to stand during meals, serving her family, but now her daughter insists that they all wait until the mother is seated before anyone begins eating. Lizy also claims that men demonstrate much more respect towards the school, towards Lizy, and towards the women of the community. Through their kids and the school, the adults have been educated as well. Thirdly, Lizy notes the unity of the community that didnt exist before the school. Lizy explains that before, the moms from the two sides of La Via wouldnt even talk to each other. But the school is, at the least, a bridge, a meeting point. [The moms see that] your daughter and my daughter play. But you and I do not talk[But now] they see that if their kids can play together and get along just fine, then why cant they as adults do the same? Now the moms just stay and chat outside the school while before they didnt even talk. La Buena Tierra has unified a historically very divided community. Lizy continues: When they are adults they are going to be neighbors. They grew up together, worked together, etc., and are going to be a good community. 19

They have a cause that has strongly united them. Its worse to be a poor person alone than to be a poor person part of a causeTheyve learned lots of tolerance; they invited each other to their houses to play. The moms let other moms pick up their kids from school. No women used to work, and now the majority work. Its solidarity, education is. Without something together, like a community center, they are so alone, with their problems. There arent networks, bridges, contacts, etc. Fourth, Lizy says, La Buena Tierra has provided La Via with many advantages. The school has given the community a plus, something that has value, that weighs, because its a school. The government, civil protection, DIF (the national system for the integral support of families; dif.sip.gob.mx/) have had to get involved in the community because of the school while before they just said, oh well, its just La Via[The school] has helped many people enter [the community], people who have a voice, more than the community. In the same light, Lizy says that the school is not there just for the education of the kids, but also to provide bridges. She says, I am the voice of them, of those who dont have a voice. They have someone on whom they can count. In addition to strongly influencing the lives of the children of La Via, Lizy mentioned how La Buena Tierra has impacted the lives of several mothers as well. Two women who currently work for La Buena Tierra say that the school has changed their lives. Through the work and scholarship opportunity offered by La Buena Tierra, one woman was able to finish studying to be a teacher. She says that if the school didnt exist, she wouldnt have finished studying. [She would have] continued as a housewife, not even having finished high school. Another woman, who grew up in La Via, had her first child at age fifteen, and lived an oppressed life abused by her husband, without dignity and full of embarrassment. But she has had her life transformed by the school and Lizys efforts. Beginning by helping out with washing dishes and cleaning, this woman became involved in the school. Lizy saw her potential and gave her the resources and encouragement to study, to stand up to her husband, and to work at La Buena Tierra. Lizy explains that after her husband returned from jail one time, this woman told him no. [She said] I am working, and youre not going to tell me what I can and cannot do She simply didnt know [before] she had the option of not doing what her husband said. Now she is an extremely strong, loyal woman who has been working at the school for years and has recently moved out of La Via. The woman herself explains, For me, personally, [La Buena Tierra] has helped like you dont even know. I dont know what I would have done [without it]. Her life is an example and an encouragement to the women of La Via. La Buena Tierra has provided support and encouragement for these, and many other women, to advocate for themselves and seek better futures for themselves and their families. The community: The families of La Via noted many accomplishments that they have seen in their community and in their children as a result of the work of La 20

Buena Tierra. They note that the school has brought together the families of La Via. There is more unity among families, and they spend more time together. They have gotten to know their neighbors that they didnt know before. One woman explained, I didnt know many people from the other side of the street, but now she does. One couple, the parents of a student in the preschool, said that, more than anything, the school has accomplished the willingness and desire of the people to spend time together: [The students] are creating their own community, you could say, and from childhood they are helping us as a whole to form ourselves as a community, a real community, because before there wasnt communication with people from further up the road. But now, in the morning, my son sees his classmates in the street and says good morning or good afternoon and the parents too, we might not know each other, but we start greeting each other or if we run into each other in other places there are greetings shared. In addition to the unity of the people, which was the most frequently mentioned accomplishment of the school noted by community members, La Buena Tierra has achieved many other things. Another frequently mentioned change is that it is obvious, just by looking at the kids, that they are better and well educated. One neighbor commented that she has noticed the change in the kids, and she sees them in a good light, that they go to school with pleasure, and they leave very content. Another community member said that the school has accomplished better education. The children that leave [La Buena Tierra] think. Other accomplishments noted by the community are the cleanliness of the street, the progress of the community, and less drug addiction. Several people commented on the importance of religion and God in the childrens lives; students know the Psalm by heart, and pray. One neighbor said, I see a big difference between the students that come [to La Buena Tierra] and those that dont. There is more respect, and we have had the opportunity to better ourselves and learn many habits such as hygiene, nutrition, and values. Another neighbor said, [La Buena Tierra] gives many children the opportunity of a better education in every sense of the word. Changing their mentality from childhood, but not just the kids but the parents too. They say that yes they can, they can move forward. While being interviewed, the families of La Via were asked to respond to a series of ten sentences, each describing an accomplishment that had been noted in the community as a result of La Buena Tierra. Interviewees were asked to respond to each statement with a number between one and five, indicating their level of agreement with the statement. The following chart explains what each number signified: 1 2 3 21 4 5

I do NOT agree AT ALL.

I do not agree.

I dont know. Maybe.

I agree.

I completely agree.

The following chart shows the results of the community members responses.3 Because of La Buena Tierra, the people of La Via place more value in education. Because of La Buena Tierra, the people of La Via have higher expectations and aspirations for the future of their kids. Because of La Buena Tierra, there is more unity in the community. Because of La Buena Tierra, girls and women are more motivated to continue education and seek careers. Because of La Buena Tierra, the kids have more opportunities to better their lives and futures. Because of La Buena Tierra, the kids have more values. Because of La Buena Tierra, the parents have more values. Because of La Buena Tierra, the parents know better how to be parents. Because of La Buena Tierra, the kids receive a better quality of education. Because of La Buena Tierra, there is less frequency of teen pregnancy. 4.34 4.06 3.42 3.76 4.39 4.38 3.63 3.22 4.53 3.03

Changes in Mentality of the Community Many people noted that La Buena Tierra has impacted the community as a whole. There have been changes in the mentality of the community as a result of the work of the school in La Via. The people in the community see the importance of education and of their children attending school. They put more value and importance in education. Instead of simply starting to work at a young age, there is the mentality that one must go to school, and then find a job, with the education they have received. One volunteer explained, Its not like Buena Tierra is completely without cost to the families. They have to put something into it, so the fact that they do send their kids there is a statement about a change in values. People are saying, Yes! Education is important. In addition, the community has cultivated a sense of openness to working together. They have gained an idea that they are capable and able to do more than they had previously thought in terms of work and parenting. The people of La Via now have more of a voice when they face problems, and they are much more apt to work towards resolving their problems. They fight more for
These questions were asked and responded to in Spanish, and have been translated here for the purposes of this report.
3

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the education and rights of their children. They are equipped with knowledge, values, and hope, to fight for their rights. How would the lives of the children in La Via be different If La Buena Tierra didnt exist? When asked this question, most people shook their heads thinking about what life would be like for a child in La Via without the impact of La Buena Tierra. The families in the community responded with comments such as less sociable, even as families we would be less sociable, well, totally misguided like alwaysdisoriented, they wouldnt go to preschool, we wouldnt get along with other people, they wouldnt behave well, they would just wander in the streets, dirty, there wouldnt be exchanges and coexistence among neighbors, there were would much lower levels of education, they would be rude and crass, and wouldnt know between right and wrong, and it would be a disaster, [with] much vice and delinquency. The teachers suggested that, if the Buena Tierra did not exist, there would be lots of disorder in the streets. The people wouldnt be respectable, because as a result of education, they greet one another. Another teacher said there wouldnt be unity in the community, and that the moms would be less responsible. The children wouldnt have a good education, and would experience a lack of attention and much discrimination in other schools. There would be more drop-outs, and kids would go back to not having anything to do, marrying young, and not having goals to overcome. From another point of view, volunteers from MCC believe that, if the Buena Tierra didnt exist, there would be a much more divided community in La Via. Kids wouldnt be prepared for elementary school, and would probably be alone a lot more, taking on responsibilities beyond their years. The children would have less contact with the world outside La Via and have fewer opportunities to leave their small community. The community would place less value in education. There would be lots of kids working on the street, selling gum and candy, and there would be more involvement in gangs and drug trade. Lizy says that if the school did not exist, there wouldnt be hope. Nor a sense of communitythere wouldnt be something to unite everyone, there would be much more division and animosity, and much less tolerance. [The people of La Via] would be alone with their problemswith no one to help them out, [or] give them a voice. They would be uneducated. When asked how their own lives would be different if it werent for La Buena Tierra, current attendees of regularizacin said, We wouldnt have much supportnor education, nor the tendency of organization. One student said that he would know nothingbe rude and disrespectful. Another student said, We wouldnt have values, we are more civilized because of the school. The students realize that their lives have been positively impacted by La Buena 23

Tierra, and that their studies and their lives would be totally different if the school didnt exist. One student explained, Lizy has always given us advice that we keep studying, that we move forward. If someone gives us the strength, we can do anything.

VIII. A Model
The challenges have been great, but the rewards have been greater. Starting up a school in a community like La Via is a challenge, but the rewards are sure to be never-ending and life-giving to all those involved. The following question was asked of interviewees: If someone has the interest and desire to start a project/school similar to La Buena Tierra, with your experience at the school, what would you tell them? A variety of responses were heard, but the common theme was this: the challenges are great, but the rewards are greater. - It is a very big responsibility; its a challenge that if done with dedication, has great satisfaction. - They are in for one of the biggest challenges and one of the biggest blessings. - You have to have a lot of faith to jump into something like this, but its worth it! - You must have tons of passion and energyit [will be your] life, [but it will give you] life to be a part of it. - It is a lot of work, but its worth it. - The price is very high you get involved and then you never stopif you have other priorities, dont do it. It has to be your number one priority. - [Do it] if you want to live a life of faith, very passionate, very blessed, because daily something comes to you; it is a wonderful place. When asked this question, many interviewees offered pieces of advice, or things that a person should do or think about if they desire to start a similar project. One teacher explained the importance of how to begin such a project as follows: You cant just start to work in the air. You have to have assessed their necessities first. You must begin by asking the community what they desire: If the school is for the people of La Via, its important to hear what is valuable to them and their children and not just simply call the shots yourself. Lizy once explained that if she had the great idea to build a library in La Via, it wouldnt have made sense nor would it have worked, mostly because a lot of the people in La Via are illiterate. Instead, she began her work in La Via by getting involved in the community, building relationships with the families, and genuinely seeing what their needs truly were. Lizy says, You must go to the community in order to see their needs. You cant take your idea

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of what they need. You have to get involved in the community to see what their needs are. Another challenge at the beginning of such a project is building trust. In order to have the community accept you and your project, you must first enter and get involved in the community so that you build trust with them. One MCC worker explained, It is important to open up to the community, to be honest with them about the goals and be transparent about the work method. Only this way can you gain the trust and participation of the people. Several community members mentioned that they were happy and content when they heard news of the school beginning, because they knew Lizy from before and knew that they could count on her and trust her. However, one must also remember that, although things can be done at the beginning to nurture trust, building trust does take a lot of time. As a project that requires much, both physically, mentally, and emotionally, it requires a leader of a certain character. Interviewees mentioned the need to have someone who is strong in character, very organized, very sociable, with many contactsvery persistent, and very honest. Lizy herself points out that such projects need a strong leader, with leadership skills someone who can have the ultimate say and make decisions. She explains that these people have to be prepared to leave behind everything (dreams, life, ideas for the future). [They must] be strong and know who they are, as well as have direction and be ready to place limits. The leader must have hope and vision. Many interviewees recommended that before starting a project, this leader, full of hope and vision, spend time at La Buena Tierra, or a similar project. One MCC volunteer explained that one should look around at a variety of similar projects, find the best assets of each, talk with as many people as possible who have been a part of these projects and begin creating a plan for next steps. Almost every interviewee asked this question mentioned the importance of spending substantial time at a similar project to learn and gather ideas and questions. Lizy herself said she would love to give classes. I would die for someone to [start a similar school]. What better place to learn, and what better person to learn from, than those who have already done it all, lived it all, and learned so much from it all? One of the first steps in a project like La Buena Tierra is seeking out a support system. One teacher explained, You must have good help. Good ideas without help arent worth anything. Having a financial, as well as emotional, support system is essential to this type of work. Several interviewees mentioned the importance of having the support of a local church a program should always seek this at the beginning. Lizy claims that many projects fail because of a lack of faith and says that you must have a connection with and the support of a church. In addition, Lizy explained from personal experience, it is essential that you have friends with similar interests and who support you in that work. 25

In community work you spend a lot of yourself, and need others that are going to support you. It can be a challenge to find good teachers who can work in situations such as La Buena Tierra. They must have a specific profile; they must understand the situation that the kids are dealing with. Lizy looks for teachers with humble origins, but with families who are going to support and love them. She prefers young teachers, claiming that with the formula of their youth, her experience, and faith, they can make a difference. She likes having teachers who are the first generation in their families to have careers, and therefore are more likely to understand the situation of the families in La Via. This way, the teachers better understand the lives of the kids, and also the youth see that it is reachable to have a career. Teachers must be selected carefully if they are to work well and be able to give of themselves to projects like La Buena Tierra. When asked what advice they would give to someone interested in starting a similar project, many interviewees noted little things about La Buena Tierra that they believe have a big impact. Many mentioned the importance of starting small. Lizys ability to greet every child as they enter the school day is significant to the childs self esteem, and is possible because the school is small. Others discussed the benefits of involving the parents and community members in the school, whether it be cooking, cleaning, or administrative work. Although some families are paying their childs tuition through this work, it inevitably makes the parents take more ownership of and pride in the school. In addition, interviewees mentioned the importance of teaching values, both directly and by example, to not only the kids, but also the parents. La Buena Tierra teaches children to respect themselves and others, to be grateful, to greet others, and that education is important; all these values are simply a part of who and what La Buena Tierra is, but they have made profound impacts on the students and the community as a whole. It is clear that much advice can be offered from the experiences of La Buena Tierra. If someone has the desire to begin a similar school, there are endless lessons that can be learned from the story of La Buena Tierra. Please also see the section entitled Recommendations for more ideas of what to do and what not to do if such work is a personal vision, idea, or goal. And always keep in mind, the challenges are great, but the rewards are greater.

In the current school year, 2009-2010, La Buena Tierra is celebrating two milestones: the ten-year anniversary of the preschool, and the opening of the first two grades of the elementary school. At the inauguration of the elementary school, the pastor, and head of the Mesa Directiva, said, Who knows how much the school will expand? We are celebrating the opening of the elementary school, but who knows, maybe one day well be celebrating the 26

IX. The Future

opening of the middle school, then the high school, and maybe one day the university! The dreams for the future of La Buena Tierra are wide open. When asked what they dreamed for the future of La Buena Tierra, all community members who were interviewed said that they wanted to see it continue growing. Many others who have been involved with La Buena Tierra said they want to see the elementary school completed in every way: through grade six classrooms, a kitchen, committed teachers, a place to play, etc. Many recognize that increasing beyond the elementary school may not be possible due to space, workload, and other issues, but everyone interviewed dreams of seeing, at the least, the elementary school come to fruition. Beyond the betterment and growth of La Buena Tierra as a school, many interviewees mentioned other types of support they would like to see. One teacher mentioned the benefits that could result from having a space in the afternoons for adolescents. A volunteer from MCC points out that La Buena Tierra is an educational center, and this implicates a more widespread work in the community working with youth, or women, etc. A current scholarship recipient at La Buena Tierra says that she would love to see a place for youth. With computacion, English, all of that. Something so that they have things to do so that they dont get involved in gangs, or alcohol, or vandalism. It is clear that La Buena Tierra is doing great work in the lives of the young children in La Via, but many people wish for that great work to extend more to the lives of the youth and women of the community. One teacher said she hopes to see kids that will be adults with good habits, and good values, and people who think critically, think deeply in reasoning. Another teacher dreams of one day seeing one of her students finished with her/his education, having accomplished much, and with a career. When asked if she wants to continue working at La Buena Tierra, another teacher commented, In the community I notice the educational growth of the kids, that they grow up with education, and I like to see how they grow. A teacher says she dreams of the growth of La Buena Tierra because the teaching of values, that which you can cultivate in the kids, should continue until they are grown up so that they can give back to the community that which they received, and therefore it will be a better place to live: both the community and the country. A current scholarship recipient says that she hopes to see La Buena Tierra continue so that there is more education, more than anything, and that [the kids] will move forward. [I want] the preschool to continue so that I can bring my kids, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren. The families of La Via want for their children to be well educated and equipped to find work in Mexico and for their childrens lives to be a little better than their own. This is the future that all those involved in La Buena Tierra dream for the future of the school, of the students, and of the community.

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X.Recommendations
Throughout the interview process, many common themes were noted. Among the assistance and support the school provides, as well as the endless accomplishments of La Buena Tierra, several areas of concern were discussed by those who were interviewed. The purpose of this section is to bring to attention some areas that could be contemplated, and perhaps changed, in order to better serve the community. In addition, this section might also serve as a form of assistance to those who may have the passion to begin their own project like La Buena Tierra. May the following recommendations be considered with open minds and a willingness to genuinely hear the concerns that have been raised. Delegating I have to say to this point I can, explains Lizy, the founder and director of La Buena Tierra. Work of this sort is extremely tiring, both physically and emotionally. Lizy herself says that she tires physically, though she never tires of the cause. Many MCC volunteers who have spent extensive time at La Buena Tierra noted how busy and stressed they saw Lizy. It is, understandably, exhausting work, to run a school like La Buena Tierra. One individual is not capable of doing it alone. Considering the amount of work Lizy takes on herself personally, she might seek more opportunities to delegate some of the workload to others. Delegation of tasks not only decreases the individual workload of the director, but also increases the stability of the organization and its future success. An MCC worker said clearly that, among other things, the future of La Buena Tierra depends ondelegating more. The organization must be able to sustain itself as an organization, not completing relying on one individual to sustain it. Delegation is one way to ensure the sustainability of La Buena Tierra. Transparency Regarding Finances The most frequently heard concern from members of La Via about La Buena Tierra was in regard to finances. Numerous persons raised the following questions/concerns: Why do they (La Buena Tierra) charge us? If their sponsors are paying, why do they make us pay? If the sponsors are sending the students money, why dont we (the family) ever see a single cent? Why do the kids have sponsors if they (La Buena Tierra) dont give the kids anything? Where is the help? If [La Buena Tierra] is supposed to be helping the community, and we never see any of that money, where is the help? They shouldnt charge so much. Were so poor.

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 The money needs to be better taken care of, so that it goes to the end goal that is should to that which the people are sending it for If were paying the same as in other schools, where is the help? There was a sense, among many community members, of distrust of La Buena Tierra in terms of how they dealt with money, particularly the money from the sponsors. La Buena Tierra would benefit from being transparent and open to the students families regarding how the school manages money. Lizy once told the story about an influential woman in the community who used to distrust Lizy and La Buena Tierra because they charged the families. Lizy described that when she explained to this woman how things worked financially, so that she knew and understood, the woman no longer harbored feelings of distrust. Instead, she began to support Lizy in her work at La Buena Tierra. An MCC worker explained a similar story: One day [early on], the moms arrived asking for accounts. There was a meeting in which Lizy explained everything to the moms, and she showed them the accounts. I think this was a key moment but in a way something difficult for Lizy, maybe she thought that they didnt trust her, but she managed it with comprehension and an open attitude, so the moms gave even more support for the project. In the same way, today, through knowing and understanding, families are better able to trust La Buena Tierra. Granted, there are risks involved with transparency about finances, and those risks are not to be taken lightly. But the amount of concern and distrust voiced by the community about money was substantial enough to warrant conversation and transparency about this aspect of the administration of La Buena Tierra. Perhaps the community is not ready to hear cent for cent where all the money goes. But providing them with the general concepts of how much it costs each child to attend, how much the sponsors pay and where that money goes could truly nurture feelings of understanding, and more importantly, of trust. CFCA Another commonly voiced concern by community members was in regard to the sponsorship program through CFCA. Frustrations with the CFCA program were voiced as follows: The students are not allowed to write what they want to their sponsors. Instead, the teachers tell them exactly what they have to say. The envelopes from the sponsors arrive to our house already opened. The return address of the sponsors are always crossed out. They do not give the students the gifts their sponsors send them.

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Generally speaking, two overall concerns were raised. First, many community members believe that the children do not receive that which their sponsors send them. Secondly, they feel that the entire system of writing letters between students and sponsors is tainted on many levels. There are concerns that La Buena Tierra changes what the sponsors, and the students, have written, before the letters arrive to the intended party. Many feel devalued because they are not permitted to know where their sponsors live. Others feel that it is unjust and dishonest to not allow the students to write what they want to their sponsors. The specific concerns were numerous and varied, but the overall concept is that many community members are bewildered by, and feel somewhat dehumanized by, the processes of the sponsorship program through CFCA. Perhaps La Buena Tierra could have a conversation with CFCA about the way their program is run. If changing procedures or finding other non-sponsorship programs for funding are not an option, La Buena Tierra could be extremely honest with the community about a) the fact that these rules are of CFCA, and La Buena Tierra simply is adhering to them, and b) the reasons why these rules are in place in CFCA. Openness and opportunities for understanding such as this not only reduce misguided assumptions and hard feelings, but also cultivate an ambiance of mutual respect. Students from Outside La Via As previously described, there are many students who attend La Buena Tierra who do not live in La Via (see La Buena Tierra, pages 13-14). Some believe that this fact allows for an exchange between cultures, and can be an extremely positive thing. Others believe this should not be happening, that the school is for those in La Via, and that the potential cultural exchange in reality can be extremely dangerous. There are clearly two sides to the argument here, both with valid points. La Buena Tierra could benefit from thinking seriously about how it is going to deal with this issue, not just deal with particular cases as they arise, and set some clear, permanent, ground rules. Perhaps allowing a certain percentage of students from outside La Via to attend could be a plausible option. Another option would be to allow those with material resources to attend, but requiring them to pay the full amount for their child. If children from outside La Via are to attend La Buena Tierra, facilitating this integration is important. As one MCC workers explains, If you are really serious about an integration project, you have to do it intentionally you have to consciously think about what integration means and facilitate that experience. Without this intentional facilitation, what could be potential for breaking down stereotypes may actually turn into reinforcing stereotypes. Grassroots

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The general sense received from La Buena Tierra is that there are outsiders coming in to help the people of La Via. This top-down sort of mentality can cultivate feelings of worthlessness and neediness of the members of the community. La Buena Tierra could benefit from becoming a more grassroots organization, involving the people of La Via in the running of the school. As one MCC volunteer explained, [They should] hire people from the communityit should be a community empowerment thing. It shouldnt focus just on kids, but [on] empowering everyone, the women, etc. If there were people from La Via working there, it wouldnt be like people from the outside have to come in and help us, but that we ourselves can do this for ourselves. One community member expressed a strong desire to see the school employ people from La Via. That way two things are accomplished: 1) members of the community are provided with employment opportunities, and 2) the school becomes not only a place in La Via, but of La Via. This community member cited the specific example of the construction of the elementary school, wondering why workers were brought in from outside La Via to construct when there are so many construction workers in La Via. She continued to say that if the workers of La Via had constructed the school, they would not only place much more value in it, but they would have pride in it as well. Creating a school that is a grassroots organization will provide employment to many who lack it, encourage a mentality of exchange, and most importantly empower the community as a whole as well as individuals who live in La Via. Staff Genders As previously mentioned, the families in La Via tend to lack fathers, and most lack positive role models. As a result, many children, particularly boys, do not learn positive, healthy relationships between men and women, nor what it means to be a respectable and respectful man. Currently, there is no male staff member at La Buena Tierra. As a school that is trying to give children in the community that which they would not have had access to otherwise, including male staff at La Buena Tierra could provide a much needed, and deeply desired, positive role model. The children of La Via would benefit from seeing an adult male who is hardworking and respectful. The boys especially would benefit from having a man to look up to. Granted, seeing women in successful careers, and even more so in leadership positions, (as La Buena Tierra exemplifies) works to break down gender stereotypes. In addition, young children of the preschool age naturally seek mothering figures. But taking these things into account, La Buena Tierra might consider seeking male staff in order to provide a positive male role model and to work at breaking down gender stereotypes. The kids of La Via need to see, to consistently witness, what it means to be an adult male who is respectable, hardworking, and respectful.

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The Future It is important to think about the future. The director of La Buena Tierra is full of passion, drive, and vision. The challenge is to share and to spread the fire that she contains within her. As one MCC worker explains, The art of a visionary leader is learning and knowing when to hand over the baton. Keeping this in mind, La Buena Tierra needs to be deeply considering the future and what it means for the school. In order to consider the future, the following three areas have been suggested as important. The future of La Buena Tierra can be better ensured by the following three things: 1) the delegation of tasks, 2) the building of leadership in others, and 3) the broadening of the mesa directiva. The first area, delegation of tasks, has already been addressed previously. The second area, building of leadership in others, is something that is currently desired, but not yet accomplished at La Buena Tierra. Recognizing the need to build leadership in others is the first step, but the next steps must take place as well. The third area, broadening of the mesa directiva, is something to be considered. The mesa directiva should be, as described by one MCC worker, made up of people who buy into the Buena Tierra, not just [buy into] Lizy. Being made up of people who are personally close to Lizy ensures the future of the Buena Tierra for as long as Lizy is there. By broadening the mesa directiva, La Buena Tierra can better ensure its stability in the future. These three areas are specific examples of ways in which the future needs to be thought about. But above all, what matters is that the future is thought about: that plans are being created, that people are being nurtured for leadership, and that those currently in leadership are mentally preparing themselves for the future.

As with any organization or institution, it is good to reflect from time to time on where the organization or institution has come from and where it is going. It is good to assess both the positive aspects and the areas that need attention. The interviews in this report have shown the great impact that La Buena Tierra has had on many individuals and the community over the past ten years. By looking at some of the issues that have been raised as concerns, those who are involved in La Buena Tierra will help ensure its positive impact in the future. As La Buena Tierra continues to make positive impacts on the community of La Via, may it keep in mind the following Bible verse that inspired the name La Buena Tierra. From Luke 8:4-8 4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was

XI. Conclusion

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trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil (buena tierra). It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." May La Buena Tierra continue to be good soil for the children of La Via, nourishing and preparing them for a better future.

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