- How many children attend the school?
- At present we teach 60 children. For the new school year starting in late August
of 2007 we will be teaching 86 children. A new classroom is being built and
funds will be raised to equip it with desks and chairs. An additional teacher will
be hired.
- How many teachers work at the school?
- We presently have 3 teachers at the school. As of late August, 2007, the new
school year, that will increase to 4 teachers and 4 classrooms due the
increase in students that have already enrolled.
- Do you get financial help from the Mexican Government?
- The school is recognised by the Government as an educational institution but
does not give any funding for the school. All funds for operating expenses and
capital projects are raised by the school from people just like you.
- Where does your funding come from?
- All the funding for the school comes from donations from people just like you.
From monthly operating expenses to capital projects. You can make a monthly
donation of $20.00 or a one time donation. The choice is yours.
- How can I donate?
- We use PayPal to accept donations. You can use MasterCard, Visa, American
Express, Discovery Card or a direct bank transfer from your account to the
schools bank account. Paypal is one of the most secure ways of transferring
funds that is available and the monies are transferred directly to the school's
bank here in Mazatlan.
- Why don't the children go to the public school?
- To go to the public schools in Mexico families must pay school fees. Typical
fees are 1000 pesos a year per child for kindergarten to 800 pesos per
semester for high school. While these fees may seem minimal, it is the poorest
of the poor whose children do not go. There is just no money to send them.
Without the Paula McNight School (In Search of a Smile) many of these children
will never go to school and most will be working at a very early age.
- Who are the Quintero Family?
- The Quintero Family, David, Maria Elena and daughter Ely, have been helping the
neighborhood since 1997. At that time there was no electricity or running
water and they set up a table to help feed the poor. From feeding 100 to 150
people a day they opened a day care then a small community center where the
school is now located. The family has dedicated their lives to the poor of this
neighborhood. Not only does Ely put in a full day at the school but she also
attends law school 5 nights a week from 6.00 to 10.00 pm.
- Is our donation tax deductible?
- It is extremely difficult for the school to get registered as a charity in the United
States or Canada. So at this time your donations are not tax deductible. We
hope this will not stop you contributing as the school needs your ongoing help.
- Can we come and visit the school?
- Visitors are always welcome at the school so if you are in the Mazatlan area
feel free to drop by.
- Do you need volunteers?
- There are times that the school can use volunteers. To find out their current
needs please contact the school.
- How can I contact the school?
- You can email the school at: buscasonrisa@yahoo.com
The phone number is: (669) 917-2208 The country code for Mexico is 52
- Do you supply any medical help to the children?
- The Balboa Medical Center of Mazatlan generously offer medical assistance to
the Paula McNight School at no cost.
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