Twenty-Four of St Peter S Parishioners Spent the Week of October 8-16 with the People Of

CENTRAL INFANTIL APPEAL

Twenty-fourSt. Peter’s parishioners spent the week of October 8-16, 2011 with the people of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico working to improve the facilities of a preschool called Centro Infantil San Pablo. The school was founded to serve children with the greatest need in San Miguel, a town known for its beauty and antiquity. Sixty-five youngsters, ages 3 to 5, occupy three classrooms, a play area and lunchroom with three full-time certified teachers and a principal.

The children come from homes in the Campo area of town where there is no electricity or running water. The homes are little more than shanties built of found materials assembled by the inhabitants. The average income for a family of five is $250 a month.

At school, the youngsters receive a nutritious lunch- often their only meal of the day, dental and eye exams, personal hygiene instruction, early identification of health problems and learning disabilities and excellent preparation for elementary school. Parents are involved in their children’s education with English lessons and story times as well as educational support and encouragement. All children receive uniforms and participate in field trips and a breadth of educational experiences. Contrary to even public education in Mexico, there are no fees charged.

Recently the Secretary of Education of the State of Guanajuato evaluated the 4- and 5- year olds of Centro Infantil using the standard method common in Mexico. The areas of mathematics, language and communication, social awareness, social development, artistic expression, and physical development and health were evaluated. The Centro Infantil students scored as follows: Sufficient 0%, Average 29%, Above Average 47%, and Outstanding 24%.

Of course, all this takes money and, so, the people of Lewes are being invited to join St. Peter’s parish in sponsoring the children of Centro Infantil San Pablo. Sponsors will receive a description of the child and their family and family circumstances. There will also be a letter twice a year from the Principal with an update on the child’s health and academic progress. Pictures of the child and school in addition to invitations to special school events will also be forthcoming. Annual sponsorship is $480 and can be paid by check or credit card. Sponsorship payments are tax deductible for U.S. citizens.

For further information, please contact St Peter’s Episcopal Church at 302-645-8479.