Help the School Children of Oaxaca Mexico

Go Fund Me for the School Children of Oaxaca, Mexico

In 2019, I started a GoFundMe to help the children of Oaxaca Escuela Secondaria Tecnica No. 14. This a technical school teaching general studies, agriculture, agronomy, and honey bee culture. When I was introduced to the school near Oaxaca City, the beekeeping program needed some help. Bee suits, veils, and gloves were in pretty rough shape. The honey extractor was made from galvanized steel, both rusty and old. The beehives were serviceable but had plenty of room for an upgrade.

Originally, I had hoped to raise some $10,000 for the school’s beekeeping program. While the funds never quite reached the intended goal, we did raise a considerable amount. I presented a check, in US funds, at a beekeeper’s meeting at the school in November of 2019. The people were overjoyed by the generosity of beekeepers and friends from the United States. We made a huge cardboard check, and two of the younger girls accepted the gift.

I worked with a wonderful group of people, to help setup and dispense what funds I was able to raise. We decided to try something a little different. Rather than giving the funds directly to the school, Javier thought it a better plan to give the funds directly to the students who had completed their apicultural training. While Veronica held the check until needed, and Aurelio stood by keeping us on track…he’s a good friend…as they all are…and my interpreter when I get in trouble with the language…the plan was hatched.

It took a bit of time to distribute the funds, what with the pandemic. One of the villages was closed to people entering or leaving, and the funds were held until the village opened. I’m so happy to say, that not only did we help the students at Escuela Tecnica No. 14, enough money was available to help the students at an additional school. Each student received protective clothing, including a bee suit, veil, and gloves. Additionally, each student received a hive tool and a bee smoker. Of course, you can’t be a beekeeper without bees. Each student received a beehive and a nucleus colony to stock that beehive.

So how good is that? Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude. The children helped by these funds will have a way forward in seeking a new path to their independenc.

And now I have to ask. Can you help repeat this in 2022? I’d love to see the fund reach the $10,000 goal this time around. Maybe we can raise even more. Couldn’t you help? Even a little bit? These kids are our neighbors. The more raised means more children helped. Let’s show them that we really do care.