General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
Very positive experience. I was able to feel like my daughter and I made a small positive contribution, even during a very short period of time. I was also very impressed with the organization -- the Director clearly knew each student and their situation personally, and it was clearly well-run.Country
The degree of poverty in Oaxaca in heart-breaking. Many children spent their days in the streets selling trinkets to passer-bys, and/or accompanying their parents who are doing the same thing. Oaxaca was also much hotter than I expected -- in the 90-degree-range (Farenheit) in late March.
Project & Staff
Very well-organized and gracious. Our host family (Sra. "Tico" Padilla) was very kind and supportive. The language school was well-managed and flexible as well.
Tips
People coming during Semana Santa (Holy Week -- the week before Easter) should be aware that schools are closed and therefore the Center will not be operating as normal. However, there is still a need for volunteers, although they should be prepared to be highly flexible. There will just be a few children at the center, and no meals are served. The children who are there will need help with schoolwork, and also people to play and interact with. There are also some administrative tasks that the staff can use help with. (For example, we cut up a lot of paper.)