- 1997: Maria Elena Quintero and her daughter, Ely, along with
some friends collected food, clothes and shoes. A project for a
course, "IF I CHANGE, IT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD", that they
were taking for self improvement. They chose 'Ampliacation
Valles del Ejido' as this was one of the poorest neighborhoods in
Mazatlan with no potable water, sewage or electric etc to
distribute the collected items.
- From that small beginning the Quinteros decide that they could
not walk away from these people and it has become a lifetime
commitment to helping these people change their lives. With the
idea that a good breakfast was the fundamental way for the good
development of the children, they started cooking breakfast on a
daily basis, using the kitchen of a couple of local people. For
some of these children this would be their only food of the day.
- 1998: The Quinteros rented a small house in the neighborhood
and did some basic remodeling to enable them to serve breakfast
for over 150 people and also offer day-care to children of
mothers giving them a chance to work and improved their
economic condition. They also started teaching classes of math,
Spanish and English to children and some adults.
- It was here that "PAULA and JIM McNIGHT'' came to visit and
volunteer. They were the 1st foreigners to visit and help. They
developed a great love for the children and the Quinteros and
what they were doing. Every year while they were in Mazatlan, the
McNights were helping. It was through the McNights that the
Quinteros and their work was introduced to the "MEMBERS OF
LAS CANOAS RV PARK'' and "John Ahearn and Andrea Rule" and
"RUTH and BRUCE NERISON. The members became good friends
and supporters helping in many ways.
- It was also in 1998 that the Quinteros formed a legal association,
"IN SEARCH OF A SMILE A.C.'' (EN BUSCA DE UNA SONRISA A.C.)
and the programs included mathematics, Spanish, English, crafts,
karate and dance. Also the Quinteros raised funds for field trips.
Many of these children had never left their neighborhood. Some
of the trips included the aquarium, circus, Stone Island on the
catamaran and McDonald's and Burger King when funds allowed.
They also occasionally went to Culiacan, the Sinaloa State capital,
visiting the zoo and the Museum of Sciences.
- 2000: was a big year for "IN SEARCH OF A SMILE A.C.'' (EN BUSCA
DE UNA SONRISA A.C.) the Quinteros bought some land where
they are presently located and started to modestly build and
develop the school that is there today.
- 2004: This was to be the last year that the McNights would be
coming to Mazatlan. They had grown to deeply love the children
that they were helping and the Quinteros. On the McNights last
day here in Mazatlan a big party was given by the Quinteros with
the children to honor their dear friends and say goodbye. While
the party was a great success, unfortunately, Paula McNight
suffered a heart attack. After Paula was stabilised and out of ICU
Maria Elena and Ely and some of the children went to visit her in
the hospital. The McNights had so touched the hearts of the
Quinteros and the many children that they had given so
unselfishly of herself that Marie Elena and Ely promised they
would start a school and name it in Paula McNIght's honor.
- 2005 In August the 1st official school year 2005-2006 started at the
"INSTITUTO EDUCATIVO PAULA MCNIGHT'' and in October of 2005
Paula McNight came from Pennsylvania with her family for the big
inauguration of the school that now bears her name.
- 2006 In July the 1st class of "INSTITUTO EDUCATIVO PAULA
MCNIGHT'' graduated and in August the new school year began. It
was at this time the Quinteros were introduced to JACQUE
DEMMER and "FRIENDS OF MEXICO'' who offer their
unconditional support to "INSTITUTO EDUCATIVO PAULA
MCNIGHT'' especially from "TED AND KATHIE CARNIE". Their
support has greatly helped the school develop to what is it today.
- 2007 Presently the school has 1 classroom for 3rd grade and 2
classroom for 2nd grade kindergarten teaching 60 children.
- The children start the school day between 7.30 and 8.30 am. They
are fed a cooked breakfast each day and they present the
Mexican Flag each morning and the singing of the Mexican
National Anthem. Classes start at 9.00 am and reading, writing,
basic math and English are taught. They are also taught the
basics of computers. Normally English and computer classes are
only available at the high priced private schools.
- It is the philosophy of the "INSTITUTO EDUCATIVO PAULA
MCNIGHT'' that there will be no charge for this school and no
child shall be turned away. The children are from 4 to 6 years old
and while the school day finishes at 1.00 pm many children stay at
the school until 5.00 or 6.00 pm while their mothers are working.
The school teaches the children to be different. To learn that
there is a great world out there and the only way to discover that
world and the possibilities are to study hard and learn and they
can change their lives forever.
- This non profit association works with volunteers and with
donations from good people with big hearts.
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