Profiling Tepehua – March 2025

^“Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom.”

– George Washington Carver

One of my sewing women from the Tepehua group recently posted the following quote on Facebook and I thought it was beautifully appropriate to show the value that our Mexican neighbors place on education.

“They said to me ‘Imagine something beautiful’ and I imagined my children triumphing in life.”

Tepehua Community Center is currently supporting 157 local students in their educational journeys, kindergarten through university levels. These Chapala students are on their way to triumphing in life.

I recently sat down with Esperanza Serna, head of the Education Support Program at Tepehua. She explained what Tepehua is doing to help students at each of the educational levels. I think it’s important to share these details with our readers, so they have an idea of the price and process of education here in Mexico. With this information, they/you might imagine how to participate in the support process.

At the university level, 32 students are receiving monies administered by Tepehua. All education monies come from the generosity of expats who sponsor a student or from proceeds at the thrift shop. Career fields include medicine, engineering, pharmacology, psychology, teaching, veterinary medicine, and law. Each student receives $4500 pesos per semester, which is only a portion of what they need, depending on the school. Additionally, they need to pay for books, materials, transportation, internet, rent and food.

At the preparatoria or high school level, we are supporting 25 students with $3500 pesos each per semester, which also takes care of books, uniforms and tuition. But materials are still needed which come to about $4000 pesos per year.

At the secondary or junior high level, 34 students receive help. They receive $3000 pesos each per year which covers tuition, uniforms, a backpack and basic items. Fifty-five primary aged students receive $2500 pesos per year, and five kindergarten students receive assistance to attend these programs. Rotary Club sponsors an additional six students at the university level and like the others, these monies are administered by Tepehua.

I was always under the impression that these students needed top notch grades to be able to receive funds, but she explained that this is not always the case. Other factors come into play, such as parental support, or by looking at a student’s potential and drive within the environment they live in. Many students have a variety of challenges in their households, but it does not mean they aren’t deserving of having a chance at an education.

Esperanza shared a story of one young man who, despite an unfortunate home situation, has been pursuing a teaching degree, holding down a job, and has improved his grades significantly. He recognized that he was being given a great opportunity with the support of Tepehua and rose to the occasion. Now the education team closely follows him to be sure he stays on track. Sometimes a student just needs to know that someone believes in them and is willing to invest in their future.

All student beneficiaries of education funds must go through an application and interview process and their progress and grades are reviewed after each semester of classes. Benefactors receive reports to ensure them their monies are going toward a good purpose.

Benefactors are not the only source of money that is put toward education. Proceeds from our thrift shop, Tepehua Treasures, also provide a percentage of education funds. Your generous donations of gently used goods are important to bring us money to ensure we have enough funds to support these students. Are you interested in participating in helping students and their families achieve their educational goals? Do you have additional questions about the education and scholarship program? You can visit our Tepehua’s website at tepehua.org and/or contact us at 4tepehua@gmail.com to be in touch with someone who can give you more information. Remember YOU can help unlock that “golden door of freedom” for our local Mexican students.