These projects are carried out by freedom-loving people around the world and directly in the autonomous, indigenous communities of Chiapas, Mexico. Individuals and organizations are welcome to creatively enrich and deepen these grassroots projects. To this end, Schools for Chiapas encourages your comments, welcomes your support, and hopes to facilitate your active participation in the exciting struggle to birth a new world. Click here to contact us.
You may click any of the project areas below for additional information.
International Educational Solidarity: A central project of Schools for Chiapas is the ongoing effort to build networks of friendship and hope with children, parents, and educators around the world. We have held workshops, sponsored art shows, organized educational caravans, carried out extensive speaking tours, and used the internet to help make the world a more just and dignified place for everyone.
Schools for Hope: Since 1996 Schools for Chiapas has directly supported the construction of Mayan run schools and education centers throughout the misty mountains and steamy jungles of the Mexican southeastern state of Chiapas. We also provide the emerging Zapatista education systems with assistance in teacher training, school supplies, and curriculum development.
Education for Health: The Zapatista movement has always placed a major emphasis on health education. Schools for Chiapas is supporting health education programs that train indigenous health workers as well as programs offering education directly in autonomous, Mayan communities.
Ecological Agricultural Education: Sustainable organic agriculture based on community empowerment is central to all the educational projects of Schools for Chiapas. We have helped plant GMO-free Mayan corn on six continents and are supporting a massive effort to introduce the Neem tree into the autonomous, indigenous communities of Chiapas, Mexico.
Artisan Sales Education: The weavings and embroidery of Chiapan women are world famous; and anyone who has ever tasted the organic coffee produced by the Mayan people of Chiapas has a hard time returning to corporate produced java. However bringing the many products of the indigenous communities of Chiapas to market requires a broad range of skills and experience. Schools for Chiapas supports trainings and education for these indigenous producers.
Other Projects: Schools for Chiapas has several projects which are currently functioning at very low levels, have been temporarily suspended, or are under development. In every case we hope to locate renewed energy and funding sources in the near future. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
