Spotlight on the Association of Latin & American Students (ALAS) Spring Break Trip, 2007

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NOTE: Click the images to view a larger version of the photos.

Health care

One of the most obvious challenges is the lack of health care in not only Tijuana, but many other sections of Mexico.

“There is a Mexican Red Cross as well as hospitals in the area, but none of these people have an insurance plan, so many times they can’t afford medical attention.  One woman was brought into the hospital suffering from liver and kidney failure.  They kept her 3 days and sent her home with prescriptions totaling $80, money she didn’t have.  An 80-year-old gentleman who used to teach in a prep school was forced into retirement because of failing eyesight.  He went to work in the landfill, but because of his vision, was in danger of being injured so he was forced to leave there as well.  Now, those who work on the landfill pool their resources and help take care of him.”

Building hope

The Miami students were involved in several activities designed to improve the lives of those living around the landfill.

“Students were split into groups and while some helped to actually build a house, others roofed an existing home while another group poured a cement slab so the next group that came in could build another house.  There is currently an 8-year waiting list for homes and while most of the people own property, they can’t afford to build.  The cost of building a 12x 20 home, which houses anywhere from 3-8 family members, is $1300.  Our group paid for all the building materials for the projects we completed.”

The group also spent time with the children and discovered that while these kids live in poverty, they are still happy.  While they enjoyed interacting with the children, it could be a challenge.

“We took one-hundred children shoe shopping!  That’s a challenge!”  Gauthier laughs. “We also held a giant Fiesta complete with a huge piñata.  Our students interacted with the children playing games, doing crafts and telling stories.  It was a memorable time for all involved.”

(Image, right: Children return from their shoe shpping trip.)

Parents weren’t forgotten either as the group distributed dried beans, rice, fresh water and oranges to residents.  While in Tijuana, the group shopped the local hardware store for items needed for the home they built, they ate at the local restaurants and shopped for souvenirs at the local shops as a way to help boost the economy just a bit.

Lasting impressions

Each evening the group would come together to discuss their feelings and share stories of what they had experienced that day.  For the most part, these experiences seemed to have had a positive effect.

(Image, right: Students begin to frame the house, beginning with an exterior wall.)

Gauthier says, “That week was one that bonded these students together and their spirits were lifted by the experience.  The people became endeared to them as they developed an appreciation for that part of the world. Our students are encouraged to take what they learned in Mexico and apply it to their everyday lives in Hamilton, to look into the volunteer options available and put their emotions to work here in their own community.  Some of them are already making a difference.  Jennifer Ciancio, co-president of ALAS, is now involved with an immigration program at Jefferson Elementary School.”

Asked about her favorite part of the trip, Gauthier smiled and said, “The reaction of the woman who was asked what color she wanted her new home to be!  She’d never been asked that question before.”

ALAS is hosting a “Thank You” reception on Tuesday, April 17 in the Harry T. Wilks Conference Center.  The reception begins at 6:30 with a slide show and Q&A beginning at 7pm.  All are welcome to attend.

A 2008 Spring Break trip is in the planning stages.  For more information, contact Jill Gauthier at 785-3006.