Project KidSmart Cabo San Lucas - Because a Little Help Goes a Long Way

The purpose of Project KidSmart is to see that smart low-income kids get a high school diploma. Oftentimes older children have to drop out of school to take care of younger children while the parent(s) work, or have to go to work themselves to help maintain the family. This program was created by Ileana Garcia Formenti de Ceseña, President of DIF, Erlinda Weyer of San Jose Del Cabo and Cathie Smith of Cabo San Lucas.

On August 10th, 2002, a meeting was held in the office of Ileana de Ceseña, the President of DIF Municipál (Municipal Family Services). (Ileana is Mayor Ulises Ceseña's wife and first lady of Los Cabos), with the following people attending: Erlinda Weyer of SJC, Cathie Smith of the Optimist Club CSL, Natalie Chilvers Liga M.A.C. Representative, Rick Steele Optimist Club Cupertino, Calif. (who flew in especially for this meeting with his daughter Mary Steele, age 9), Lori Harrison, CSL, Patsy Chilson of Chilson & Associates CSL, Cynthia Wickerink, SJC and Luz Ofelia Aceves of Wood Fabric & Ideas, SJC.

This meeting was the commencement of a pilot program called, "Sponsor a Child". The goal is to assist public school students who maintain a high grade point average, mostly in junior and senior high school here in Los Cabos, and who have requested help from DIF in order that they may continue their education. The group was provided with school transcripts for all the children who are seeking assistance.

These kids have the potential to go far in their lives and lift themselves from poverty. They just need a little helping hand and encouragement! The basic needs are a uniform, shoes, tennis shoes, backpack, and school supplies. These students are from poor families who do not have enough income to provide the basic necessities for their continuing education.

Twelve students from various areas came to this meeting requesting assistance and this group contributed and sought other contributions to provide the necessary items for them to start school on August 19, 2002.

The goal of this group is to provide on-going financial help to these children. A stipend of 200 pesos per month is suggested, to cover school supplies, bus fare, and other basic necessities. The Cabo San Lucas Optimist Club has agreed to handle sponsorship funds for people unable to have direct contact with their kids. Sponsors are encouraged, but not required, to interact with their child and their families as they choose.

WE ALSO NEED MENTORS TO HELP WITH THE CHILDREN. THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T MAKE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION BUT WANT TO BE A ROLE-MODEL AND HELP WITH THE CHILD.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

How to help...

In order to sponsor a child, we are requesting that you help to fill the following needs:

purchase school uniform and new pair of shoes at the beginning of the school year (approx. $100US) purchase exercise outfit and gym shoes in the middle of the school year (normally January, approx. $75US) provide $200 pesos monthly to the child during the school year

As a sponsor you can also be involved as a mentor. A mentor will usually do any one of the following:

make an effort to get to know the child take in an interest in what the child is studying take the child on excursions that they otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience assist the child with any educational challenges he or she is facing ...or anything else you can think of that will help to broaden the child's horizons, cultivate a desire to overcome their difficult circumstances, and help them to achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals...

It's up to you!

If you are a long-distance sponsor and are not able to participate in the child's life on a day-to-day basis, we will administer the financial end of the relationship while looking to connect a child with a mentor here in Cabo. We believe both levels of assistance, financial as much as interpersonal, will have a valuable and lasting impact on the lives of these children.

Contact us...

If you would like to become a sponsor and/or mentor to one of the children participating in Kidsmart, please contact Cathie at "cathie@kidsmartcabo.com" or call her directly at (624) 143-1212.

Visit our website at: www.kidsmartcabo.com

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