More of Project Amigo's work

Monday, January 26, 2009


Every year, during the month of December, a large group of migrant workers from the southern state of Gerraro arrive in Queseria, hoping to find work in the sugar planation. About one third of them stay and some will be given simple housing in the labour camp. For most this simple housing consists of a small shack with dirt floor, without running water. They wash clothes outside in the basins built for this purpose. Several year ago, my District, 5370 helped with the labour and financing to build bathrooms in the camp. The only problem was, that the people did not know how to use these toilets. There were used to doing their business in the bush, wiping themselves with the leaves of the corn husks. They found the toilets convenient, but continued to use the corn leaves. The toilets got plugged as a result. Later a social work was sent in to teach them proper hygiene.

Over the last few years, the company has built some very simple concrete subsidized houses, which are a big improvement from the shacks with dirt floors. A new set of houses is currently being built. There are no bathrooms, but there will be electricity. Given, that these people are used to live outdoors, they will likely build some additions to their house where they will cook. The remainder of the houses will be used for sleeping quarters.
Project Amigo, with the support of many Rotary Clubs has done a lot of work in the camp. A small school house was built, which houses a kindergarten and a first grade classroom. This allows the children, who will only be here for the season to learn Spanish. (Many speak different dialects) and learn numbers. Those who stay in Queseria are able to go to the school in town, where they will receive better education. Tita, the kindergarten teacher, has been teaching here for 15 years, She is able to speak the various dialects and interact with the children. On Saturdays she teaches bilingual school in Guadalajara. She is an excellent teacher and has a big heart for the school and the children.
As we tour the camp, the children are all eager to have their pictures taken and want to look on our camera for the results.

We drive to Colima, also known as City of Palms. The fact, that this city is 2,000 lower in altitude than Cofradia, results in a difference in temperature of 11 degrees. It is HOT.
At the main road's traffic circles are some very interesting statues, most of which represent the area or it's history.

Over the last number of years, the University students sponsored through Project Amigo, were housed in Casa Amigo, which previously was in a different part of Colima. Recently, with the generous donation of a Rotarian in the US, PA was able to purchase an older house in Colima for $170,000 US. This house is being renovated and the results are fantastic. The quality of the furniture is such, that it will last for a number of years, The rooms are decorated very tastefully. Casa Amiga, currently houses 22 students. A second floor will be added which will allow for a total of 36 students.
Another $100,000US is needed before construction can begin for phase two.
The annual cost for one student is approximately $6,000 US. Not all students require housing in Casa Amiga, so the requested $4,000 US sponsorship will be balance out nicely.
Doña Chela, a widow, who’s children are all grown up, is the perfect mother for these students. She lives in the Casa with them, plans the meals and have the students do the cooking. On the roof is a solar panels which heats the water.
Joe V. has been working hard in this house to have it ready for when the students return. As we arrive he was just ready to put the stove in place,. Ramiro gives him a hand and it's done in no time.

Our next stop is Colonia Rotario. This neighborhood was established about 8 years ago, on land donated by the county. Various clubs donated money and with grants from Rotary International 70 houses were built for about $2400US each. They are 50 small houses of about 6.4 x 20 meters.
Families were selected on a lottery basis. Rotaractors from the area interviewed many families, single mother or widows. Those who were selected went through a five year probation period. Of the 50 families 44 were able to stay in the Colonia.
During the construction period the families were expected to participate in the construction.
Colonia Rotaria has an executive of which Benjamin is the President. He watches out for the families and ensures the children go to school. They have a small community halls, which is used for parties etc.

Part of the Colonia is the medical centre and the cyber cafe/computer lab, which is run by Mirella, one of the PA scholars. This building was built by Rotarians from District 5370 in Alberta. Free internet is provided for all children in the neighbourhood as well as English and computer classes. This is run by a youth organization which is financed by the state. Project Amigo no longer need to put any finances into this project.

There is work to be done this afternoon. A crea of 8 leaves for Suchitlan to paint Tey’s house. While the rest is divided into groups at the Hacienda to prepare books. Labels need to be applied, indicating that the books are provided by Rotary Clubs through Project Amigo. They are then divided into groups of four and packed in boxes. Another group sorts donated clothes by age and gender. The last group makes an inventory of the donated eyeglasses for the next eye clinic.

In the evening, Diego drives us back to Colima where Rotarians meet us at Sam’s Club to take us in groups of 4 or 5, in their vehicle to their houses for dinner.
Mom takes the evening off and stays home. I join her for a glass of wine and pull together a few things for a nice salad for her.

We have a wonderful evening at Miguel and Irma’s house. They are the only Rotary family who participate in the youth exchange program, and each of their four children have participated, They had the opportunity to study for one year in a foreign country and stay with Rotary families. Currently, one fo the children is in Belgium and student from Belgium, as well as one from the Ukraine is begin hosted by them.
Miguel serves the best tequila and Irma with the help of her girls cooked a wonderful dinner, consisting of past, fish and salad.
We’re driven back to the bus at 11:00 pm and on the way back we all exchange stories about our experience.