Proyecto Itzaes Thanksgiving

Ka’ambal U tia’al Ka’ansaj – Aprender para Enseñar – Learning in Order to Teach
Dear Friends of Proyecto Itzaes
Queridos Amigos de Proyecto Itzaes
At the close of this Thanksgiving weekend while reflecting on all of the things I am grateful for, I am writing to thank all of you for your support of Proyecto Itzaes (PI) What kept Proyecto Itzaes programs vital in the past year was all of you—our dedicated, very personal, community of donors who gave generously in another tremendously difficult year. The families of Proyecto Itzaes thank you from their hearts. The hard work and impressive accomplishments in PI villages illustrate how your generosity affects real families; buying essential books and school supplies, building literacy and skills, and conserving cultural and biological diversity. Thank you!
In 2011 PI:
• Served thousands of children and families in poor villages in Yucatán, providing early childhood reading programs that create literacy across generations for Maya families.
• Supported exciting summer enrichment programs including reading, tutoring, computer skills classes, dance, crafts, hands-on science, sustainable gardening, reforestation, ecology, and summer sports programs.
• Provided resources for special needs children and their families.
• Assisted eight university students with scholarships that enabled them to stay in school one of whom, Pastorita, graduated in June!
• Two PI asesores. Javier Garcia Itza who began in PI when he was just six and is now in law school and PI board member, Erica Fernandez, a senior at Stanford University were chosen to participate in the Latin American and Caribbean youth leadership program in Panama with Dr. Jane Goodall. Congratulations, Javi and Erica! And mil gracias to Dr. Jane!
• And much more! Visit our website (and pass on to friends) to read more: http://wp.proyectoitzaesusa.org

Proyecto Itzaes’ continued success depends upon the leadership and tireless work of village families, local leaders and you. Please give generously this year and know that your gift goes directly to those in Yucatán who have dedicated their own time, skills, and very limited economic resources to changing their own communities.

Our Proyecto Itzaes holiday fund raising card will be in your mailbox soon. Please watch for it, enjoy the photos, and please include us in your holiday giving. Your gift truly does matter. If you are on this email list but not receiving our mailing list please contact us with your mailing address to receive our 2011 card.

PI is now on Facebook so add us to your page and help spread the work of PI!

http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Proyecto-Itzaes/150081958284

Some highlights:
Proyecto Itzaes programs rely upon our asesores (mentors) who take what they have learned and pass it on to younger students in their own communities. Many of our long-term asesores, now in high school and college, are juggling school, homework, and jobs but still commit precious time each week to teaching and guiding younger students. Mil gracias asesores!

To read more about what your gifts have helped achieve in the rest of Proyecto Itzaes’ villages visit our website and browse the photos and stories. http://wp.proyectoitzaesusa.org
PI is now on Facebook so please add us to your page and spread the word

http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Proyecto-Itzaes/150081958284