Eighteen months ago, I founded a school called Chepinitas Apoyo Educativo in an impoverished neighborhood of Veracruz, Mexico. Chepinitas exists to provide an opportunity for poor children in the north region of Veracruz-Llave to complete primary and secondary education. These families cannot afford the public school tuition costs and therefore do not attend school. Illiteracy is rampant in these neighborhoods. Beyond academics, we seek to develop the whole child, emphasizing moral values and aspiring to become noble human beings.
A couple of years ago, I sought to escape Chicago's polar vortex by staying in Veracruz (where my mom is from) for two months. A sister in the Veracruz church who had just completed her social work degree was looking for work. Since both of us were in need of a useful project, we joined forces to begin Chepinitas Apoyo Educativo. We started in an orphanage who invited us to use their salon for classes. We cleaned, painted, purchased tables, stools, and whiteboards and did some construction with the help of local tradesmen.
We interviewed and hired three teachers, and opened on February 16, 2015. After a few months, it became necessary to relocate to our own space. In May 2015 I purchased a dilapidated small house to renovate for classes. We were pleased with all the improvements and could proudly pose for our cover photo in front of the school.
We presently have four teachers besides the director and 32 students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Our first graduation ceremony was this past July. One graduate from our junior high was admitted to high school having scored second out of 1,000 first-year students.
Unlike the public schools, we do not charge any fees. Our teachers truly love and respect the students. Most had no hope of receiving an education. Besides academics, we also teach moral values. I have seen many changes in the students.
The local director and one of the teachers are disciples in the ICOC Veracruz Church. Lybia Velez, social worker, has been a disciple for six years. She served at one time as the HOPE worldwide representative for her congregation. She loves directing Chepinitas and loves the children as her own. She does extensive family counseling and has facilitated finding therapies and even medical surgeries for some students. Recently when one dad was on an abusive rampage, Lybia came to the rescue. She picked up the mom and five kids and drove them to her home where they spent the night.
Miguel Baez is the 7th-9th grade teacher. He has worked as an engineer and educational book salesman. He's well-read, passionate about history and carefully teaches math & science.He is an engaging and articulate preacher often subbing for the minister. Miguel has the teen aged students. He teaches them Christian values and purity. When I visit, I teach ESL and music. We have nine violin students and performed a concert last February.
I fully fund this work with my income from music teaching and performing as well as a rental property. Our first fundraiser last fall was hosted at the Northwest Indiana Church of Christ. Members cooked authentic Mexican dishes, Andrea (Lager) Chacon and I played violin duets during dinner and I did a power point slide show. Tickers were $25, and many who could not come sent a donation. We invited family, friends, business associates. God blessed us with $3,000.
Our goal this year is $10,000 to help with roof damage during torrential rains. I also hope to give the teachers a small raise.
Our second annual fundraiser is Sunday, October 23 at NWI Church in Merrillville. We would love to invite any and all disciples in the area to attend, and to welcome donations from anyone who is unable to attend.
Please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find out more at www.gofundme.com/chepinitas.