July 2025

Dear Liga MAC Family,

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

• Two ESL volunteers highlighted
• Learning Centre update
• Educational Support Programs update
• School yearend celebrations for Liga MAC programs
• Volunteer activity update

ESL Teacher Profiles: Committed volunteers share their knowledge

The motivation to volunteer can spring from many places. In the case of respected educator and longtime Liga MAC volunteer, Juan Carlos Cotamo, the love of sharing knowledge motivates him to volunteer. And, in the case of student Maddison Chapman, volunteering is both an inherited trait and a desire to share her love of the English language with fellow students. 

Two years ago, Profesor Juan Carlos realized that the seasonal nature of Liga MAC’s regular ESL (English as a Second Language) classes which are conducted by ex-pat volunteers, meant that students lost some of their language skills when classes ended after 12 weeks. To remedy the situation, he started a year-round pilot program in 2023 aimed at beefing up the technical aspects of learning English. His classes are 60% grammar/40% conversation and work hand-in-glove with our Spanish tutoring classes to improve students’ understanding of basic grammar. The program has proved so successful that it is being expanded to include students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 as well as older students so that there is a continuum of learning starting in grade 7. Sharing his teaching acumen has produced an enhanced ESL program benefitting Liga MAC students and at the same time has satisfied his desire to give back.

One of Juan Carlos’s star instructors in the new extended ESL program is about the same age as her students and is Liga MAC’s youngest volunteer. Maddison Chapman is also the daughter of Liga MAC Board Member, Tadd Chapman. Her first foray into volunteering came several years ago when she volunteered at a Liga MAC organic market booth. From that positive experience Maddie moved into teaching English to her fellow Mexican students. Being completely bi-lingual and a voracious reader, Maddie is keen to share her interest in English literature. She is passionate about helping local students realize their full potential by learning a second language. She sees the sharing of languages as an important element in understanding and accepting other cultures. 

Liga MAC Executive Director Elva Haro acknowledges that without the participation of its gifted and dedicated volunteers like Juan Carlos and Maddie, Liga MAC would not be able to facilitate some of the programs that enrich our students’ lives.

Click here to watch a 2:25 minute interview with Maddy Chapman on her last day of volunteering. It may be a bit long, but it’s absolutely worth watching and listening to this inspiring young woman!”

Learning Centre Building Update

• A grant from the Querencia Foundation has allowed Liga MAC to purchase and install solar panels.
• Hurricane shutters have been installed on all windows and sliding doors thanks to our generous donors
• The building surveillance system has been strengthened with additional cameras
• A new audio system has been installed in both the auditorium and outdoor patio
• More library books have been purchased and are being added to the system

Educational Support Programs Update

(all held at Learning Centre)

Self-esteem and Social Skills

• 47 Grade 7 students attended weekly 1 1/2 hour sessions led by staff member Consuelo Espinosa
• Course concluded in February

Spanish & Math Tutoring

• 138 students (Grades 7 – 9) received twice weekly instruction including sessions in the Computer Lab
• Taught by Centro Pedagogico del Valle teachers
• Students participated in conversation with author Javier Malpica whose books they read in class
• Classes ended June 27 with a closing awards ceremony

Full Year English

• Facilitated by Juan Carlos Cotamo and supported by English native speaking volunteers
• 45 Grade 8 and 24 Grade 11 students
• Program concluded on June 27

Health Through Education

• Interactive healthy cooking classes for parents and students delivered by Baja Luna Chef David Merin and his staff have concluded
• Wellness seminars included “Emotional Intelligence” given by psychologist Jesus Tomatani, Diabetes and Body Mapping workshops by nutritionist Alejandra Martinez
• Suicide Prevention seminar will be presented later this summer
• Comprehensive Sexual Education workshop will be presented later this summer
• Our onsite organic garden produced its first bumper crop under the care of Baja Luna and our students

Digital Literacy for Mothers

• 9 mothers of Liga MAC students attended a 10 session course
• Partnership with CECATI (local trade school)
• Basic computer and internet course about to conclude
• Helping the extended family in this way helps our students too!

Educational Support Program Yearend and Application Process

As one school year draws to a close and Liga MAC’s students celebrate their achievements, Liga MAC staff are evaluating over 100 selected applications for next year’s Educational Support Program. From those applications, 80 new students will be accepted. Applicants will be tested, attend orientation sessions as well as an interactive seminar and engage in individual interviews with Liga MAC staff.

Meanwhile, Liga MAC acknowledges and congratulates our 44 high school graduates and one university graduate! 

Celebrations to mark the completion of Spanish, Math and English Educational Support Programs were held on June 27 at the Learning Centre with awards and special guests in attendance. The students conducted the ceremonies and shared their experiences.

Volunteer Activities

The Donation Centre in Colonia Chamizal has closed its doors for the season. It will remain closed during the summer months and reopen in November. Anyone wishing to make donations throughout the summer can contact (via What’s App) Sonia Trujillo at +52 624 224 2676 for an appointment.

Parting Comments

Our youngest volunteer, Maddie Chapman, proves that age is no barrier to giving back. Just as her father set an example for Maddie by donating his time and knowledge on Liga MAC’s Board, Maddie is now passing along that concept to her ESL students. Her students are able to see themselves in her and hopefully will emulate her example. Juan Carlos Cotamo has spent a lifetime sharing his knowledge with students. As we journey through life across all ages, we all have something to give – our time, our talents, a helping hand, a kind or encouraging word. Be a leader…Be an example… Be a volunteer…Be OUR volunteer!

NOTE: With this update, we are moving forward with quarterly updates to keep you informed on how your support and donations help Liga MAC make a meaningful difference. 

With a grateful heart,

Maria Lindenberg, President

Liga MAC Board of Directors