Posted on October 21st, 2024
| We are pleased to share noteworthy milestones achieved during the 2023-24 term at EEESMA School for the Deaf. In June, three more students proudly graduated from preparatoria (high school), bringing our total number of graduates to seven. Seven may not seem like a large number but we remind you that only a few short years ago, before EEESMA was founded, the idea of deaf students in San Miguel de Allende graduating high school was a distant dream. Thanks to your support, this dream is now a reality, transforming the lives of these bright young people. Their journey, marked by resilience and dedication, was made possible by the unwavering commitment of our exceptional teachers. Together, we can all take pride in their remarkable achievements. Join us in celebrating our newest graduates—Carol, Tony, and Noelia—for their outstanding hard work and well-deserved success. The seven graduates stand as role models, inspiring every student at EEESMA to persevere and reach their goals. Four more students are entering preparatoria class this term, carrying on the legacy of those who came before them. We are also excited to report continued growth in our primary enrollment, with 14 students aged 12 and under now attending classes. Our reputation as a beacon of hope for the deaf community continues to take hold, encouraging more families to place their trust in our mission. Your steadfast support fuels everything we do, empowering our students to aim higher and achieve more. Thank you for being part of this transformative journey. With much appreciation, John Doherty, On behalf of everyone at EEESMA School for the Deaf |
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| Independence Day – September 2024 – Viva Mexico! |
| Signs & Smiles Team Help Advance Teacher Training |
   The project. funded by a Rotary Global Grant, represents a huge leap forward for the advancement in literacy and education for deaf children in Mexico. The grant is being implemented by a Vocational Training Team from the fine organization Signs and Smiles.org USA in partnership with EEESMA School for the Deaf. The most recent training workshops were attended in person by 22 deaf education professionals from almost every corner of the State of Guanajuato, as well as participants from the State of Queretaro and focused on Language Concepts & Strategies, Socio-emotional Learning, Sign Language Instruction, and General Literacy Strategies. On the final day a “Family Day” was held, led by Signs and Smiles and attended by students, teachers and their family members, with many moms and dads and grandparents of deaf children. There was over one hundred sharing in the joy of the day! This special day enabled the rolling out of the new Signs and Smiles App, downloaded to mobile phones empowering parents of deaf children by providing resources including: -Mexican Sign Language (LSM)Dictionary -Sign Language Learning Tools -Best Practices for Parenting Deaf Children Thank you so, so much Rotary and Signs & Smiles for the giant leap forward! |
Abril Earns Blue Belt Demonstrating enthusiasm and discipline, Abril has once again proven her ability to excel at karate. She is the first in her group to achieve blue belt status. Way to go Abril!  |
Robotics and Programming Summer Camp The second annual summer camp took place in July. Twenty children attended, EEESMA students and others, honing their robotics and computer skills during vacation from school. The goal is to have all students take their computer skills to the next level… while having fun doing it! |
Teachers Enroll inAdvanced Mexican Sign Language Course at UNAM In collaboration with Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, U.N.A.M. San Miguel de Allende Campus, seven teachers and teachers’ assistants from EEESMA, four deaf and three hearing, are currently enrolled in the Advanced Mexico Sign Language course. The evening course runs for five months and will prepare all participating with better skills and professionalism in order to be more effective in their deaf education careers. It’s also worth noting that the course is being given by EEESMA’s own Olga Pedro, preparatoria teacher and certified Mexican Sign Language interpreter. We couldn’t be more pleased! Introducing New Student, Yulissa  Yulissa (pronouned Julisa), a sweet 8 year-old, resides with her family in the Ejido de Tirado neighborhood of SMA; a community facing challenges of impoverishment and danger. A family member brings her by bus to school everyday, emphasizing the commitment her family has to her education and well being.Yulissa requires substantial support for language acquisition as she comes to EEESMA with no sign language, which translates to no language at all.Outside the classroom, Yulissa finds joy in simple pleasures. She love to eat eggs, spends afternoons captivated by the adventures of “Peppa Pig” and “Paw Patrol” on television and enjoys playing with her brother’s toy cars.The sight of her smiling on the swing captures the essence of her joyful spirit.Please consider a sponsorship for this dear child. See below for more info. |
| Announcing Matching FundsAvailable In December Coming soon, matching funds campaigns for both Canadian and American supporters. For as little as US$100/month or CDN$120/month, consider being that “special someone” helping to provide a youngster’s education. Your help is guaranteed to change a life. Simply click on either the Amistad Canada or the Global Giving button below which will take you to the relevant donation page. There will be matching funds made available for recurring monthly donors as well as those who wish to make a one-time donation before year end. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon. Please earmark your planned end-of-year donation to help sponsor a child who is deaf and watch your donation grow exponentially with matching funds! |  |
