CENTRO DE EDUCACION COMUNITARIO
- FRIENDS OF PUERTO AVENTURAS -
Puerto Aventuras
 Tourism
growth in the Riviera Maya has provided job opportunities for many
Mexicans as numerous families move to this area in hopes of improved
well-being. Many visitors to Puerto Aventuras are unaware that over 2500
employees and their families presently live in the Poblado de Apollo
(Support Community) located across the highway. In the early 80’s, a
small area of jungle was cleared and a staff-housing unit was built. It
is now becoming a real village with schools, makeshift churches and a
police station. This young settlement still lacks a real sense of
community though, and infrastructure has been slow to provide the
minimum standards of running water, electricity and sewage.
EDUCENTRO
Eight years ago, a local union donated the use of a building and a
generous developer provided the initial funding for basic education
programs. Later that year, Friends of Puerto Aventuras (F.O.P.A.) was
founded in order to provide community assistance to the Poblado de Apoyo.
The EDUCENTRO (Community Education Center) was established to provide
opportunities needed for individual well being and contributes to a
community which all can be proud of. Local children and adults now have
many more opportunities open to them. Through the help of F.O.P.A., they
are able to enroll in free educational programs including English,
Computer Training and Basic Electricity as well as regular kids
activities and free Internet access.
English Classes
 Taking
into consideration the influx of the tourism trade in this area, it is
clear how speaking even some English would improve ones opportunities.
With funding by those who reside within or visit Puerto Aventuras,
F.O.P.A. has been able to provide the continued financial support needed
for the popular English Language Program. Over the past 8 years, more
than 600 students have taken the initiative to develop and improve their
English conversational skills and many have obtained employment
previously unavailable to them.
Computer Training
It is obvious to all that computer skills are quickly becoming needed in
all walks of life. The larger centers of Playa del Carmen and Cancun
have computer schools but the costs of these courses are high and are
logistically impossible for those who work full time. Several used,
laptop computers have been donated by a Canadian company and F.O.P.A.
plans to provide a low-cost opportunity where one can gain the training
and experience needed to be employable for jobs requiring basic computer
skills.
Job Opportunities
F.O.P.A. provides a liaison between employees and employers. Human
Resources Departments are now able to advertise through the EDUCENTRO
when searching for qualified staff. A job list is updated and posted at
the EDUCENTRO bi-weekly. This idea is also aimed at showing potential
employees the opportunities available through the education programs
offered at the Center.
 Clothing
Bazaar
Twice yearly, donations of clothing, furniture and household items are
collected at the center and a bazaar is held. This has become a popular
tradition and line-ups are usual at opening time. All low-income
families have equal opportunities to benefit from the super cheap prices
of the sale.
Library
More than 250 Spanish language books have been donated or purchased.
Kids and Adults alike have the opportunity to sign-out books or hang out
and read at the EDUCENTRO. On occasion, FOPA organizes "Story Times"
where a local senior reads to, or makes arts and crafts with pre-school
children.
Housing
Many of the poor people living in the Poblado live in stick houses with
palapa thatch roofs. Some of the better off have concrete block
houses but have not been able to afford proper roofs so they use tar
paper. As we have learned from Hurricanes Emily and Wilma, this
type of housing is not adequate. Through a separate fund
within FOPA efforts are being made to provide better, safer housing for
those most in need. See our web site for more details.
Hurricane Rebuilding Fund
More is needed
Current need outweighs supply. Many of the existing programs are
understaffed and lack funding while several other programs are still in
the planning stages. A Bicycle Safety program, a first-aid course, and
an in-house Day-care Program need funding and coordination. Your
contributions, assistance and ideas are graciously welcome.
More
INFORMATION
Please visit our web site for more information. Click on the photo
at the top of the page or follow this link
Educentro
Puerto Aventuras
Friends of Puerto Aventuras
Coordinator:
Fred Devos
Board of Directors:
Sally Evans
Babs Griswald
Lee Knudson
Jeannie Knudson
Paul Ramsey
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