In the early hours of October 10, after days of torrential rain, the Cazones and Pantepec rivers unleashed the most powerful flooding northern Veracruz has seen in living memory. Within a single day, cities such as Poza Rica and Álamo, along with their surrounding communities, were underwater—in some places up to four meters deep. Across the state, an estimated 300,000 people were affected. Many families lost everything, and although much of the mud has now been cleared, people are still struggling to rebuild their lives.

My name is Aidan Trinity, and I am a former Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at the Centro Regional de Educación Normal (CREN) in Tuxpan, a river port city on the northern coast of Veracruz. As one of the region’s only public teachers colleges, CREN attracts many foráneos—students from neighboring cities and towns such as Poza Rica and Álamo. More than a month after the flood, classes have resumed on campus, but many students and their families have lost everything. With the local economy severely impacted, many lack the resources to return to school.

Twenty CREN students are now in critical need of financial support. Without assistance, they face the very real possibility of dropping out, as the flood has left them without alternatives.

To help these students cover food, transportation, and basic living expenses so they can continue their studies, the CREN administration and student government estimate a minimum of $2,500 USD is needed.

Funds will be distributed in coordination with CREN administrators and student representatives on a per-need basis, using self-reported and documented information provided by the students. Priority will be given to the twenty students identified as being in critical need. If additional funding is secured, support will be extended to other students affected by the flood.

Any amount you are able to contribute is deeply appreciated. Your generosity will ensure that the next generation of teachers in northern Veracruz does not lose their future to this disaster.

For updates and to hear directly from the students receiving assistance, please follow @dollarsforveracruz on Instagram.