Our first project was a collaboration with educators and students at Escuela Secundaria Técnica No. 13 in La Azteca, Arriaga. This Jr. High, with 84 students and ten teachers, previously had only one computer on campus. On October 16th, 2023, we provided 20 computers to set up a computer lab for both teacher and student use. During our 5-week visit to Arriaga, our team taught students basic computer maintenance and repair. This project marks the start of an ongoing relationship, helping students develop skills and explore new career paths. We also sponsor a teacher to manage the computer lab and continue educating students on technology, empowering them to shape the future of Chiapas.
On the first day at Escuela Secundaria Técnica No. 13, October 16, 2023, the teachers and students welcomed our team with a delicious meal and traditional dance to thank us for bringing a computer lab to their school, which has been marginalized for years. We also installed surveillance cameras to enhance the school's security.
The classroom where we set up the computer lab at the Jr. High initially had insufficient electricity to power all the computers. We sponsored the electrical upgrade, and now the classroom is fully equipped and functional.
When we set up the computer lab at the Jr. High in La Azteca in October 2023, we discovered that the classroom windows were too old to seal and close properly. This allowed a lot of dust to enter, exacerbated by the windy conditions in that part of Chiapas. The dust and heat interfered with the computers' ability to maintain a cool operating temperature, reducing the effectiveness of the AC.
The team also dealt with larger critters like tarantulas and small lizards coming through the window openings. One lizard even damaged the AC’s motherboard, making it quite miserable to teach in the hot environment with all the computers running. We sponsored the repair of the AC and, with the locals raising half the cost, covered the other half to replace the windows.
It was our pleasure to provide handmade ice cream for the “Posada” at the Jr. High on December 14, 2023. The vendor brought a variety of flavors for the children. “Posada” refers to a traditional Christmas celebration in Mexico, featuring hot food, drinks, sweets, music, and piñatas.
On February 27, 2024, we provided backpacks for students who had been carrying their books by hand because they didn't have backpacks.