Amistad – San Cristobal Primary School

“San Cristobal de las Casas Primary School Amistad”

Project Co-ordinator: Katy Vatis and Lina
Location: Chiapas, Mexico
Dates: Funded in 2014

COMPLETED

 

Summary

• We funded rain capture and water treatment facilities, kitchen equipment, including and extractor and together with the LATA Foundation we provided dining room furniture and addition kitchen equipment needed.
• This was a project proposed to us by Amistad- Britannica Mexicana in 2013, an organisation we have successfully worked with in the past in Mexico on other projects.
• Phase 1 of the project had been completed: which was the construction of a brand-new dining-room and kitchen, replacing a totally inadequate/unhealthy kitchen and a dining area half open to the elements that was financed by HSBC Mexico and Amistad.
• They needed funds for Phase 2 to provide suitable catering equipment for the kitchen, equipment for the capture and purification of rain-water, basic robust furniture for the dining room, and new-build bathrooms.
• This project now helps provide 200 primary school children clean water every day as well as healthy and hygienic meals.

Description of Project

The ’31 de Marzo’ primary school, together with the adjacent Escuela Secundaria Industrial and the neighbouring Kinder, is an important educational and cultural nucleus in San Cristóbal de Las Casas. Amistad has given significant support to the Secundaria since 2006. The total school population numbers approximately 1200 pupils, 75% of whom come from surrounding indigenous villages.

The primary school caters to 200 children, ages 6 to 15, from neighbouring indigenous communites. Most of the buildings are well maintained and in good condition. However, the existing dining facilities were very primitive, unhygienic and open to inclement weather. Meals were being prepared in a rudimentary kitchen; food is supplied by DIF and cooked by mothers.

In order to improve nutrition and hygiene, (basic needs for education), Amistad decided to provide a new dining and kitchen facility. Funds for the construction phase were provided by HSBC Mexico. Construction work started during the school vacation in July, 2012 and it was completed in 2013.

Social Impact

• Improved nutrition and hygiene of hundreds of children in formative years.
• Improved health and learning capability.
• Opportunities for better paying jobs for future generations.