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| IN THE NEWS |
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GROW Helps Education of Workers' Children - September 2006 "...never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead San Diego - After a little over a year of operation, the first funds from the GROW Foundation (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers) have not only been distributed, but have started to reap the rewards of the program. "With an initial funding to Project Amigo in Colima, Mexico, we have initiated the promised benefits from GROW for the workers, and their families," says Mayra Velazquez de Leon, president of Organics Unlimited, who founded GROW. "All of our work is done through the International Community Foundation, who has found valuable programs that really need our help." Project Amigo is a non-profit organization in Colima that enables the poor children of Colima, Mexico to achieve their highest potential. They are dedicated to helping children break the cycle of poverty that has afflicted their families for generations. Their programs are centered in providing self-help tools that propel the local population to better lifestyles. According to Project Amigo co-founder, Susan Hill, "Agricultural workers earn $10 to $12 per day, often working 14-hour days. Many families in this community have 'lost' their husbands, sons and brothers to work in El Norte. Mothers and sisters are left alone to support their households and their children or siblings. Alcoholism, prostitution, domestic violence and child abuse are significant social problems." GROW funds from the initial contribution went to three different programs. The first is an addition to the College Endowment Fund which has a goal of perpetually funding 30 university scholarships each year. The initial GROW gift funded a scholarship this past year for Magdaleno Martinez Castro. He has successfully finished his second year of engineering at Universidad de Colima and is now beginning his third year of study. The second program funded by GROW is a support program for scholarship recipients of different ages through homework clubs. The clubs provide a place to study and qualified tutors who help with homework. They also carry out didactic exercises designed to improve personal communications skills and self-confidence. A new homework club for junior high and high school children of agricultural workers was developed in Cerro de Ortega, in the heart of the banana growing area. The purpose of the new club is to assure that deserving children of workers stay in school and improve their chances for a better and more stable life. Initial funding provided eight weeks of sessions from April through July. Sessions included public health issues, social issues, and verbal and written communication skills development. There was 100% attendance at the homework clubs throughout the eight weeks, and teachers reported to that the students' grades and attitudes improved dramatically, with all 18 of the students in the pilot homework program qualifying for future scholarships using Project Amigo's established criteria. The third program funded by the initial contribution went to Casa Amiga to help cover overhead costs of electricity, Internet service, and healthy meals. Because there are no schools in the local area around the banana plantations, motivated students who want to go beyond elementary school are required to go into the bigger city. These students, who are still very young, find boarding facilities through this home for young girls. Without donations, this facility would not be available for these motivated young people. GROW is a program of Organics Unlimited, a San Diego-based distributor of organic tropical fruits from Mexico and South America. For more information on Organics Unlimited and GROW, visit their website at www.organicsunlimited.com. |
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