CHIAPAS TRIP DECEMBER 2022
The Covid situation had improved a lot in Chiapas. The scholarship recipients have returned to the classroom after 2 years of the not-so-satisfactory online classes. I was in Chiapas to attend workshops for those girls and women on scholarship and also to participate in workshops with the members of the cooperative. I had the opportunity to interview each of our 14 scholarship girls and learned about their progress. Their delight in being able to pursue their educational goals is so gratifying.
Workshop topics included the problems in Chiapas with femicides, usually of indigenous women, and of new concerns with the Mexican drug cartels. Other topics were care during pregnancy, current events and movement exercises to alleviate stress.
Due to some physical issues, I was not able to visit the more outlying communities, but was able to spend some time in Zinacantán, where I visited two famiies who have been very involved with the cooperative and education.
There were several opportunities to have time with our coordinator, Carmen, and both of us are happy how things are continuing to progress and function as we are in our 5-year wind down program. I spoke at length with Gabriela, our recent graduate of university with a degree in architecture, who has, as her final project, designed a remodel for the center in San Cristobal de las Casas. The center urgently needs such a remodel, which includes a second floor, more room for meetings, more air and light flow and more bathrooms.
All in all, a very successful trip.
Judith
Below: Scholarship girls participating in movement exercises
