Help rural students in Huatusco build their classroom

Hello! I'm Jonelle Dongilla, and I'm raising funds to support completing a classroom in a rural area of Huatusco, Veracruz in Mexico. Carlos Rojas Ortega was a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, which brought him to study at IUP in Pennsylvania and partner with me. Last summer my family and I visited Carlos and his family. We observed first-hand the significant economic challenges students face; many go without the basic materials and support they need to thrive.

The federal government recently announced a program to provide funds for schools nationwide to improve infrastructure, but the school has not yet received any funding. Meanwhile, the need is urgent: their school Telebachillerato de Veracruz has only two finished classrooms, one still under construction, and three groups of students—meaning they are forced to use the unfinished space, even though it is not yet appropriate for learning. The funds we raise will be used directly to complete the third classroom, enabling teachers to purchase essential items such as doors, windows, glass, tile, and paint. Your contribution will make a tangible difference, helping us create a safe, functional learning environment and bringing us closer to our goal.

This cause is deeply important to me because I believe that students' education involves the physicality of their learning environment. This involves a safe, lit, and comfortable space that has access to electricity and Wi-Fi. This access helps level the playing field, giving rural students the skills and knowledge needed to compete in a global economy. Moreover, it empowers them to contribute to their communities, bringing innovative solutions and a broader understanding of the world back to their local environments. By investing in their education, we are investing in a more equitable and interconnected future.

Thank you for joining me in making an impact!