volunteering in Puerto Vallarta
…you know when your heart is touched that you need to do something about it
We have fallen in love with the people of Puerto Vallarta. A few years ago while visiting Puerto Vallarta and dining at Andale’s Restaurant the owner, Jorge, invited us to join him in serving lunch to some of the poorest of the poor. Unfortunately, at that time, we were heading home and would not be available to help out. This year we approached Jorge early in our trip and in his typical friendly manner said, “Sure - what else do you have to do?” We laughed and showed up to help the following Monday.
We found out that this is just one way Jorge has been serving his community over the years. He has been serving lunch to this part of his community called “the dump” for that pat 32 years.
Water Filters for Families Program
Just back from the beaches and tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta, many families do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. Many communities are not on the municipal water purification system. Sometimes families purchase water for 28 pesos for 4 gallons/19 liters but the average working person makes little more than 65 pesos per day. Many families in these communities get their water from the filthy rivers which are multi-use including use for animals and sewage.
The cost of a filter kit is $55 USD (plus $4 to cover the handling costs). Because of the cost of this filter, we are able to supply people immediately with safe, clean drinking water and we are able to grow the distribution because of the low cost. With clean, safe drinking water, adults will be able to work and children attend school without the illnesses they currently are susceptible to caused by the unsafe drinking water. As a result, the benefits to the greater community and to society will be long term.
The purpose of Becas Scholarship Program is to provide the children of very poor families in the Puerto Vallarta area with the chance of a good education thus enabling them to have a better standard of living than has been available to most of their families.
The program began in 1996 when members of Rotary Club Puerto Vallarta Sur noticed that many bright young students were dropping out of school at age 12 after completing grade 6. The first year of the program, 10 scholarships were donated to deserving students.
To be eligible to receive a scholarship under the Becas Scholarship Program, the student must remain in school full time and maintain a grade point average of a minimum of 8.5 out of 10. Student qualifications are assessed every year.
Funds are intended for the purchase of school uniforms and footwear, text books, school supplies and the payment of school related fees. The requested amounts do not cover all the student’s expenses but, in most cases, it is enough to allow the family to keep the child in school. A number of sponsors do give their student extra money every year to assist with school related expenses.
Scholarship Amounts are as follows:
Secundaria (Junior High School): $250 USD per year
Preparatoria (Senior High School): $300 USD per year
University: $350 USD per year
Would you like to help make a positive difference in this community?
Go to our website: www.mountainbeaches.com/donate2pv to learn more about these programs and how you can help!
We absolutely love getting out there and meeting new people. We encourage all of our Mountain Beaches friends to shop small, shop local and to always be on the lookout to give a helping hand to those in need!
~Tomorrow is Never Promised~