Thought you wouldn’t have have to read another posting so soon.  Ha!

I have received two similar inquiries about the children’s uniforms and I thought it might be helpful to add on some information about the uniforms and how they are distributed.

First of all, uniforms are useful at any time during the year.  While most uniforms are distributed during the first month or so of the school year, not all children get uniforms at that time and new children are coming into the schools throughout the year. 

So….any of you coming to Zihua on a visit, please consider packing one or two sets of uniforms and hand them off to me or one of my friends while you are visiting.  If everyone coming brought a uniform or two, we could have a tremendous supply.

Second, how are uniforms distributed?  Well, there are three wonderful women by the name of Mary Ellen, Margaret, and Vicki who spend much of their time in Zihua and maintain excellent relationships with the directors (principals) and teachers of the poorer schools.  With the help of the teachers, they put together a massive list of which kids need what.

They then hold “fitting days” where they take all the uniforms up to the schools and kids file by and get “fitted” and receive a uniform top and bottom.  If an exact fit isn’t available, often the child will receive a uniform that is slightly larger with the expectation that the student will grow into it.

Mary Ellen, Margaret, Vicki set out uniforms for distribution

I work with Mary Ellen and volunteer your donations to where she needs them the most…although I do make sure there are significant numbers of uniforms available for Las Joyas – the newest and poorest of the schools.

Mary Ellen has a "fitting" experience

These pictures are taken from last year’s “fitting” day at Las Joyas and it was a memorable and enjoyable experience.

3rd graders get uniforms

Third, in terms of what is most needed, well everything is needed but I think extra boys pants for grades 4-6 may be slightly more needed.  ALL contributions are welcomed including single or unmatched items.

Fourth, the white tops can be either button type shirts or blouses or polo type pullovers with collars.  Hope that clarifies some of the questions.  Need more info, please contact me by email.

While I have your attentions and on different topic, thanks to Eugene resident Craig Tomlinson, I had the opportunity last week to talk about my Zihua tales with a Eugene Rotary Club.  I mentioned the great work that Rotary is doing to help us in Zihua.   I enjoyed immensely the opportunity to talk about the children of Zihua and I believe the talk was well received.

Rotary talk - dressed in business-Zihua casual