Tutoring Oaxaca's Street Children

by Serena
(Oaxaca, Mexico)

Child in Oaxaca

About a decade ago, I came to Oaxaca for six months to finish writing a novel and to better my Spanish to a bilingual level. What I encountered when I arrived was a beautiful place that was also the second poorest state in Mexico.

Many of Oaxaca's children live and work in the streets, and attend little to no school. Add to this fact that even public schools demand a certain amount of financial obligation for school supplies and even uniforms.

Grassroots is an organization begun in Oaxaca that attempts to level the playing field for Oaxaca's Triqui people, many of whom don't speak fluent Spanish but rather their indigenous language. I wandered into Grassroots and wound up with a weekly volunteer position. I was one of many young women (all female, all young) volunteering at the learning center.

On any given day, several children would show up with homework in hand, their basic supplies and needs met by donations. I would be waiting, prepared to assist in school subjects. Rather than write each answer together, I would attempt to do activities to reinforce information. We would sing, play games, act things out, and tell stories. I can honestly say it was an incredibly rewarding teaching experience that helped begin my successful career in the profession. To this day, Grassroots helps the children of Oaxaca, and now offers a fuller spectrum of services.

I have returned to Oaxaca and have plans to work with Oaxaca's street children again. They now can attend a preschool and kindergarten program through Grassroots. There is also a free English language program for children and a bilingual story hour. So many opportunities to help so many people. Viva Mexico!

(Photo: Nicholasf via Flickr)