SUMMARY
The Tihueliske Community Education and Nutrition Program helps young children living in acute poverty to gain skills for life in Tlamacazapa, Mexico. Each week children learn to read, write and do basic math by working in small groups. They develop better abilities to handle relationships and to problem-solve. The program strengthens a culture of reading among families and prepares children to tackle serious local social and environmental issues in future.
CHALLENGE
Over the past five years, the quality of children’s education in government schools plummeted because of school closures for two years during the pandemic (2020-2022), followed by frequent closures due to increased violence and insecurity throughout the village and region.
SOLUTION
Forced onto a backburner for two years (May 2024-March 2026), Atzin’s education program for children was finally re-started in April 2026 at the urging of local women and educators who recognized the acute need for tutoring to bring children in school up to grade level. Children who are out of school for whatever reason can also participate.
Young children learn through play and small group work in the Atzin Centre, taught by village women trained as educators. At present, children 8 years and up attend classes three afternoons per week, learning basic literacy and abilities in creativity, communication and relationships.
Atzin’s scholarships continue for women to further their studies outside of the village.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
The program helps children to develop skills for life. The children grow in confidence better able to handle conflict, build relationships and to problem-solve. They learn to read, write and do basic math. Overall, the program effectively supports a new culture of reading in the village and prepares young people to tackle the recurring social and environmental problems in future.
