Towers of Knowledge in Rural Oaxaca

Today I had a unique and very special opportunity to attend ceremonies for the opening of two new libraries for primary schools in the outlying impoverished areas of Oaxaca city.  Two organizations, Friends of Pimpollo, started by my second cousin, John Kerr of Salem, Oregon, and Si Kanda, a Mexican organization, in addition to the help of parents and community members helped to fund and build these libraries.

As Juan Carlos of Si Kanda said, "...all children have the right to read and receive an education. It is up to the adults to make that happen for each child."

The modest building at each school was no bigger than 15 feet x 15 feet, set on concrete. The insulation was made up of more than 2000 plastic bottles and around 1500 tetrapak milk cartons filled with aluminum and the exterior was made of concrete. It was pointed out that even though the color of the library building was yellow, it was built "green".

Inside there were a few small desks and chairs and no more than 50 or so brand new books for the children. But boy, were they excited! For those that know me personally, they know that the library is one of my favorite places to go, as it is a hub for learning and the humanities.  I was moved to the core to witness the opening of these towers of knowledge for these deserving children. With each book they read, their worlds will expand, they will learn, they will dream and it is my hope that they will dream big because the world belongs to them, too! (Incidentally, I had an opportunity to read a book to a few of the children. They didn't give me weird looks, so perhaps my pronunciation is improving. And, children are so forgiving...)

It was a wonderful moment when Boni, John Kerr's right hand man for his foundation, asked Aunt Mimi, a lifelong teacher to cut the ribbon at one of the libraries. I was behind sunglasses, but had a wave of emotion then and a couple of other times...I'm glad though. It was a big deal. These libraries are a big deal. And, it is not every day you are invited into another world where the needs of children are so great but you realize you can make a difference, either by volunteering or giving a donation.

The children in my life back home will have opportunities that many of these Mexican children will never have.  But, due to the hard work of these organizations, the communities, parents and the dreams and hard work of these children, there will be some that will create opportunities for themselves and I know they will pay it forward...

I hope you might take a moment to view a few short videos that I have included below. If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation, please know that your donation will make a difference. Please click the Friends of Pimpollo or Si Kanda links above, to donate.