Posted on August 27th, 2022
Coming Out of the Pandemic
The 2021-2022 school year saw a gradual return to in-person classes at most schools in the state of Jalisco. Some universities and colleges continued to offer online classes, as did a few high schools. Students were generally very enthusiastic to return to a more normal learning environment.
Here at La Catalina Foundation, we were happy to resume extracurricular classes for scholarship students in May. These classes will begin again in the fall and will include computer skills, health and wellness, professional employment opportunities, and care and preservation of our ecosystem.
Congrats to the Wings Scholarship University Graduates!
We are very proud of our three most recent university graduates! These students received scholarships every year since middle school and this gave them the financial ability to pursue their dreams and attain their goals! A big congrats to Aldo, Heidy, and Kassandra!
Scholarship Candidates Needing Sponsors
13 new candidates have been registered for the coming year. Each student has a unique story and they are all united in their drive to achieve a higher education. Please take the time to read their profiles on our website 2022 Scholarship Candidates and contact us if you see a student you want to support or would like more information!
Did you previously sponsor a student?
Renewal letters have been sent to all scholarship sponsors. Your continuing support of a student is greatly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information regarding sponsoring a Wings to Fly Scholarship student.
Summer Studies offered by La Catalina
For many students, the past two years have been exceptionally challenging. Lack of internet connection, lack of computer equipment and absence of personal interaction with teachers and classmates have all taken a toll. La Catalina is offering study classes over the summer to help students get back on track with their learning. Ojalá the coming year will be an easier one for students and teachers.
A Chance to Heal
Prior to the summer break, high school scholarship students attended a class given by a respected Manzanillo therapist, Liliana Larios Maldonado. She discussed the emotional impact of the pandemic and encouraged students to examine and talk about their feelings, fears and hopes. It was a very successful meeting and students have requested that Liliana provide additional classes this fall.
Continuing English Classes in the Elementary School
English Language classes, taught by Irving Ramirez Medina, our new English language maestro, continue to be offered in the elementary school. There are plans to expand classes to the middle and high school this year. La Catalina has been running these classes since 2012 using the Beyond Borders English workbook co produced by past board member Julie Catton. Children are quickly revamping their English skills and language knowledge.
Summer Camp 2022
Summer Camp 2022 was a great success! We have had the summer camp since 2010 with exception of our COVID years. This year we had 25 students participating in 2 weeks of fun activities. The summer camp runs in the mornings and gives elementary age children an opportunity to play, learn and be physically active! This year the kids learned to talk about their feelings through art and participated in some exciting science experiments and enjoyed an ‘end of camp’ pool party courtesy of Diana Quadri.
2022 Toronto Marathon Fundraiser.
Join the team or pledge your support! A group of scholarship students, staff, and friends of LCF have registered to participate in the 2022 Toronto International Charity Challenge Marathon. Participants will complete a half marathon distance between the 15th of September – 15th of October. This is a great opportunity to raise funds for La Catalina Foundation programs. We have registered a team as part of the Amistad Canada organization. If you would like to participate or donate to any of our participants, please follow this link: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/34025/2022-tcs-toronto-waterfront-marathon/fundraising-organization/26738.
A New Roof After the Hurricane
During the hurricane and torrential rains this past fall, the palapa roof on one of our buildings was destroyed. This building housed the washroom on one side and a storage room on the other. This past month a permanent roof was installed and repairs to the rooms should be finished soon. A very appreciative thank you to a number of friends of La Catalina for funding the roof and repairs to the building.
Walk & Talk Spanish Classes Coming Soon
La Catalina is once again offering Walk & Talk Spanish classes, beginning in December. This program was implemented with the guiding hand of Chandra Hunt. The classes provide an opportunity for visitors to practice Spanish in a casual and comfortable environment while engaging with one of our scholarship students. Classes are 1.5hrs for 5 days and ‘learner’ and ‘tutor’ have an opportunity to meander through town, stroll on the beach, or enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the local cafes while speaking Spanish. More information will be posted in November.
Save the Date!
The Foundation is hosting a “Holiday Jingle & Mingle” evening on December 3rd. Appies and a beverage are included in the price of a ticket. There will be Holiday ornaments, piñatas and wreaths created by students – with a few ‘designer’ Christmas trees available for purchase. Elementary students will be performing dances and Christmas songs for everyone to enjoy! Ticket cost is 300 pesos and tickets will be available in November. Further information to follow soon.
Thanks to all of you who continue to support education for our children. Your generosity and caring make a world of difference to their future.
Together we can make a difference!
La Catalina Foundation A.C.
(315) 351-7398 (Office)
(317) 873-7820 (Cellphone)
