Kids Reaching Out 
to Matamoros, Mexico

 

      The "DO SOMETHING CLUB" at Wekiva High School in Florida collected 100 health & hygiene kits to be distributed during a medical clinic in October 2010 in Matamoros, Mexico. Each "Compassion Bag" bag contains a large-sized shampoo, soap, washcloth, toothbrush & toothpaste - each individually bagged for distribution.

      The Wekiva High School's "Do Something Club" works hard to make a positive difference on campus, in the community, nation, and world.  Students come together weekly, discuss social issues of concern, and design projects to increase public awareness.  Approximately 20 students are active as "Do Something Club" members, but for each and every project the club sponsors, all Wekiva High School students are invited to participate.  The "Do Something Club" commits to actively participate and volunteer in an effort to affect positive change.  We promote student involvement on campus, volunteer to help with hands-on projects in the local community, and participates in national youth programs.  Internationally, the club collects items or funds to assist children in need around the world. 

      During the 2009-10 academic year, the club's first semester international effort was “The Changarawee Project.”  We raised funds for the Zawadi School for AIDS orphans located in Tanzania, Africa.  Students sold textile goods made by the students’ grandmothers.  We dedicated the second semester to assist World Missions Possible, Inc.  Students researched WMP's altruistic work in Mexico.  

      As a part of the curriculum, students in World History Class studied the Mexican Revolution.  As a part of the unit, some Wekiva (English as a second language “ESOL”) students created posters of images characteristic of the Mexican Muralist artists: Rivera, Kahlo, Posada, and Siqueiros.  After hearing of the Compassion Bag Project, the students agreed to send these pictures along with the bags as gifts to the children of Matamoros to be used to decorate the walls of a clinic or classroom. 

       

      In 2002, World Missions Possible made a $3,000 grant to Missions Outreach Ministries, a non-profit organization founded in 1997.  The grant was approved to help defray the cost of a new $30,000 primary and secondary education school building for the indigenous population in the area of Reynosa, Mexico.

      The vision of the school is to provide a well-rounded education for the children in northern Mexico.  At the time of the grant, the school had 42 children enrolled in full-time class work. Bilingual classes in Kindergarten, first, second and third grades were being conducted.  Missions Outreach Ministries plans to add a fourth grade curriculum and adult courses in auto shop, sewing and construction. 

      The two-story school will include a cafeteria to be used to provide daily meals to the area’s children.  The final cost for the entire project is projected to run between $40,000 and $50,000, depending on the furnishings, equipment, etc.     

Mission Outreach Ministries offers need-based distribution of clothing and food, as well as basic medical needs for both the children and their families.  Already, three new houses have been constructed and long-term goals include building several more homes in the area. 

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