Newsletter January 2026

Happy New Year, everyone!
Since our last newsletter, we received a generous donation from the SOB Volleyball group, *South of the Border*. I know what you were thinking! With this contribution, we built a school kitchen at Federico Chopin Kindergarten. Providing kindergarten students with a healthy meal ensures they have the nutrition they need to thrive. The city provided its usual 50% contribution.

Cobach, our signature high school, needed a new entranceway; students had to walk around a steep hill to get to school. Now, thanks to generous donors, we were able to build a set of stairs from the roadway up to the school. I doubt anyone needs to go to the gym after climbing all those stairs, but they are happy!

We also contributed to two additional covered multipurpose areas. There are always emergency projects that come up, and fortunately, we were able to help. Fragata kindergarten needed windows to keep out local wildlife, including snakes and scorpions. Their neighbour no longer wished to share his septic tank, so we built them one of their own. We couldn’t have little kids walking home to use the bathroom.

Last week, we met with the city to determine the most needed projects for 2026. Every year, there is a long list! With Zihua’s young population, there is a never-ending need for improved schools.

Just last week, we met with the city to assess the most pressing needs for projects in 2026. Each year, the list seems to grow longer! With Zihua’s young population, there is a constant demand for improved schools.

On a different note, the Sheinbaum administration recently referenced a World Bank report indicating that the Mexican middle class is expected to grow by 12 percentage points from 2018 to 2024, now surpassing those living in poverty. However, it’s worth noting that the middle class is considered anyone earning over 300 pesos a day, which is the same amount as the newly raised minimum wage as of January. I can’t imagine trying to raise a family on that!

Finally, scholarships are due, and students will receive their last payments next week. These payments are crucial, as for many students, they determine whether they can stay in school. The minimum tax-deductible donation for high school and university students is 700 USD, while for primary and middle school students, it stands at 350 USD. Many students require additional support or multiple sponsors to make their education possible.

We sent 8 students to a math competition in Mexico City from two of our high schools, and they both came back with awards!

Payments can be made through our website, www.porlosninos.com, or for Canadians via an Interac transfer to zihuaporlosninos@gmail.com, or by credit card on the website.

Please donate

Some of culinary arts students participated in a demonstration of their skills and won! Our university in Petatlan is turning out some pretty talented chefs.