A local business owner has been taking donations and gifts in kind to help expand educational opportunities for children in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
Natasha Rosewood had used donations obtained through monthly "soul talks" at a venue in Gibsons to purchase musical instruments and learning supplies for children in the city.
"We've just been asking my clients and anybody to donate pens and pencils and rulers and books and that kind of thing," said Rosewood, who will be travelling to the area this month to deliver more supplies in person. "So far, we've got about two-and-a-half suitcases full."
Rosewood said her trip is a unique opportunity to meet the children of the schools where donations from the Sunshine Coast have had a measurable impact.
Her hope is that residents of the Coast will continue to reach out with donations and learning supplies like utensils, maps and other useful items.
"My thought was to really bring the community of Zihuatanejo closer to the Sunshine Coast," she said. "A lot of us have stuff in our office drawers or at work that we don't use. That would be like gold to these children and these teachers."
By adopting needy schools, Rosewood said residents have the chance to witness the real impact of their generosity. She hopes her trip to the area will allow her to take stock of the needs and forge an unlikely connection between the two communities.
The project began through a request from a client and friend of Rosewood's, Tracy Worner, who lives and works in Mexico.
Worner had requested Rosewood's assistance to obtain cash donations and used items like clarinets and school supplies, sending her photos of the children and schools that benefited from the gifts.
Several of the facilities currently being targeted by the non-profit group Por Los Ninos (For the Children) are schools built by parents and community members. These buildings are often very substandard and in need of even basic supplies.
Currently the group is calling for help purchasing desks for students at a cost of $45 each or school uniforms at $25. Tax-deductable donations can be made through their website at www.porlosninos.com.
Previous projects have included fundraisers to buy bricks and cement, items that local parents used to construct higher quality facilities for their community's children.
"It's not just sending the money and goods off into the wild blue yonder," Rosewood said, describing her excitement to visit the schools she and the Coast community have helped to grow.
Those looking to learn more about how they might contribute to building a brighter future for community schools in Zinhuatanejo are encouraged to contact Rosewood directly by email at [email protected]
