EEESMA offers special education in Mexican Sign Language to children who are Deaf; programs that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
EEESMA’s mission is to ensure that all San Miguel de Allende children who are Deaf become literate, independent, and productive citizens who set and achieve life goals.
EEESMA challenges students with a standards-based curriculum at the pre-school, primary, middle and high school levels using a bi-lingual model of Mexican Sign Language and written Spanish. Vocational training is also offered to promote students’ choices and self-determination upon graduation and transition into the work world.
The school was founded in 2012 and now has 30 students enrolled ranging in age from six years to adult. Three are currently attending high school and one bright young woman is in her last year of university studies; all taking place online and tutored by the school’s qualified teachers.
With no government support available, the school relies entirely on fundraising, grants, and donations.
The children look to you for your support. Please help EEESMA continue its valuable work by contributing to the Student Scholarship Program. It costs approximately $2,000 CAD per student per year to participate in classes. However, a gift, regardless of size, is always gratefully appreciated. Or consider giving to the
Getting Deaf Kids to School Project
Fundraising Goal: $38,850
Summary
EEESMA is entering its 10 Year Anniversary of service to children and young adults who are Deaf in San Miguel and surrounding rural communities. There is good reason to celebrate! Families far and wide now turn to EEESMA to ensure their children receive special education in Mexican Sign Language so that they may have the opportunity to learn and grow in life. The school’s enrollment and service area expand each year but still many families struggle to get their children to school every day.
Challenge
Currently there are 16 students who are Deaf of various ages residing in areas surrounding San Miguel de Allende and travelling daily to EEESMA. Many children rise at 5:30am each school day to catch the one bus at 6:30am. If this bus is missed, the child is unable to attend school that day. Some days the public bus doesn’t arrive on schedule or doesn’t arrive at all. Many families must walk a long distance just to get to the bus stop. For a deaf child attending school consistently is crucial.
Solution
The time has come for EEESMA to acquire and operate a passenger van to bring students to and from school. This will remove many obstacles families encounter to ensure their children attend school each day. One major obstacle is that when taking public transportation young children must be accompanied to school by a family member. This project will ensure that many children will have a secure ride to school in a safe vehicle accompanied by a responsible adult allowing the family to attend to other important tasks.
Long-Term Impact
EEESMA is happy to announce that a passenger van has been funded with a grant! Operational costs must now be funded. A budget of $12,950/yr. +/- for 3 yrs. = $38,850 to cover gasoline, maintenance, insurance, and a driver. Bringing 11 deaf children to school to learn sign language on a consistent basis will be life changing for them. They will have the opportunity to graduate from high school, learn valuable job skills and eventually enter the workplace. A dream never before imagined by them!
