What do you get when you invite two Canadians into a Mexican home for a traditional Mexican meal? Well, great food, of course, a discussion of cooking techniques and an exchange of ideas and empathy.

In late November Executive Director Elva Haro arranged a luncheon for visiting former Board member Pat Hill and Liga MAC President Maria Lindenberg with one of Liga MAC’s families. Single parent, Mercedes or Meche as she is known, who is originally from Puebla the home of mole, prepared chicken mole accompanied by rice and homemade corn tortillas. Arriving at the gated compound, the three guests were immediately struck by the neatness of the yard. Potted plants, vines and small palm trees dotted the humble yard while construction material and garden implements were stacked tidily against the surrounding fence.

Invited into the 3 room concrete block and tin roofed house, the guests were introduced to Meche’s son and Liga MAC student, 17 year old Christian and 12 year old twin daughters Xiomara and Xiromi. In a not unfamiliar story, Meche’s husband left to find work in the United States a number of years ago and after a few years of remitting funds home, he ended the support payments and all contact. Left to support her family singlehandedly, Meche found work as a house cleaner. When Meche learned about Liga MAC’s scholarship program, she realized that not only was it her children’s best chance for an education but it was also her children’s best chance for a better life. Although the twins are currently in Grade 6, their grades (GPA 9 and 10) and their economic situation will qualify them for entry next year into the Liga MAC scholarship program.

In Meche’s open air, open plan kitchen, dining room and living room (and possibly Christian’s bedroom), the mole, chicken and rice were heating on the stove while in the centre of the oil skin cloth covered table sat a large ball of tortilla dough. Meche broke off the exact amount of dough needed to be pressed into the tortilla press and then placed it on a heated comal (a convex shaped griddle). As the tortillas came off the grill they were added to plates of mole chicken and rice and served to the guests. Much discussion ensued regarding cooking techniques and ingredients but in spite of the impressive and delicious meal, the guests were more taken with the attentive and respectful demeanour of the 3 children. It was obvious to all that despite her setbacks, Meche was determined to raise 3 well fed, well behaved and well educated children. And with Liga MAC’s help, that is exactly what she will be able to do!

3 New Programs at the Learning Centre

The 9 existing Learning Centre programs are continuing as scheduled over the coming school year. However, 3 new programs have been added and are receiving rave reviews:

 

Expanded ESL Program – What began as a pilot program to see if teaching students English in the earlier grades would improve their ability to speak the language has succeeded beyond expectations and is now a permanent program. The program was designed and presented by Juan Carlos Cotamo and continues to be led by him.

Sewing – Syllabus introduced for mothers and daughters and includes business economics in addition to sewing skills. Participants are thrilled to learn new skills and produce items for our Liga MAC Organic Market Booths. The new sewers are using machines donated by volunteer Bonnie O’Malley as well as patterns and techniques shared by Joyce Meldrum.

Art – Another pilot project that has been well received is the Art program guided by facilitator Guillermo. Starting in October, 40 Grade 7 students were introduced to singing and acting classes which have allowed students to explore their emotions, develop self-esteem and build confidence. Guillermo is developing a curriculum and will continue classes until June.

A Fond Farewell

One of Liga MAC’s most staunch supporters, Susan Cornelius, is stepping down from Liga MAC’s Board of Directors after 5 exciting and successful years. She is not going far however, and will continue to champion Liga MAC in her supporting role as Trustee Chair of the Baja Community Foundation. Thank you Susan! Liga MAC looks forward to many more years of collaboration.

New Director for Liga MAC’s Board

Liga MAC is proud and excited to announce the addition of Cynthia Nickel to the Board of Directors. Cynthia has participated in Liga MAC’s Strategic Review and Donor Development Committees and together with her husband hosted a fundraising cocktail reception at their home. Cynthia brings a wealth of non-profit experience through her involvement with CURE International Canada. Welcome Cynthia!

Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila

In alignment with Liga MAC’s Board and the event sponsor, we wish to share that the much‑anticipated Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila celebration will be rescheduled for next season. Following an exceptionally successful 2025 fundraising year, and with our sights set on the milestone of Liga MAC’s 30th Anniversary in 2027, the Board has thoughtfully decided to reserve this special event as part of next year’s festivities. We are deeply grateful for the enthusiasm of our volunteers and supporters, and we look forward to gathering with all of you to celebrate this important occasion together next season.

Parting Comments 

2025 has been an exciting year for Liga MAC! Our Learning Centre continues to be a student and community hub offering 12 student courses, after school study opportunities, counselling and community activities. As well, we have had one of our most successful fundraising years! As Liga MAC’s name implies, we Mexicans, Americans and Canadians (and others), have come together to make all our lives richer and fuller. To all our MAC volunteers and donors, thank you for sharing your time, your energy and your resources. To our students and their families, you inspire us daily with your tenacity and hard work. Let us move forward together into 2026 with the same drive and momentum that will continue to help change lives through education.

Happy 2026! Prospero año nuevo!

Maria Lindenberg, President

Liga MAC Board of Directors

 

 

Liga MAC has added 2 volunteer driven support programs to the schedule of courses geared to assist students in their school life and personal lives. Our fledgling music program started by Mario Lozano, will now be led by Guillermo Proal. Guillermo will facilitate an Introduction to Arts workshop from October to December for Grade 7 students with an emphasis on singing and acting. The twice weekly course aims to produce a Christmas production. A second facilitator is being sought for a music appreciation program to begin in January.

The second program is a happy marriage between volunteers with a passion for sewing and Liga MAC students and mothers looking to build a home based business and to feed inventory to our Organic Market outreach booths. Volunteer Bonnie O’Malley donated $1,000 to purchase 4 sewing machines for the Learning Centre and together with volunteer Joyce Meldrum, they are facilitating classes on sewing and project cost analysis. The first hand crafted items include tote bags, microwave bowl covers and shawls.

Learning Centre Expanded Programs

Thanks to a grant from Querencia’s Foundation, Liga MAC is able to expand its year round ESL (English as a Second Language) Program to include Grade 7, 8 and 9 students. The biweekly program begins in October. Providing this program for 3 consecutive years to our middle school students will make a step change in their English fluency which is critical for their success in Los Cabos.

 

For a number of years, Executive Director Elva Haro, has counselled grade 12 students on their post secondary options. The program has now been expanded to include grade 11 students to encourage early planning. Elva is basing her counselling program on the Okinawan Ikigai educational model which taps into self knowledge, individual talents and personal passions to guide students to choose a career path. Students also learn to consider vocational testing results, practical applications and available educational resources to guide their choices. The program features monthly guest speakers from a variety of professional and vocational fields.

16th Annual Knick NAC Invitational Golf Tournament (December 8)

The Knick Nac Golf Tournament has evolved over the past 16 years from a few friends gathering to play golf and raise a few dollars for a good cause to an invitation only gathering of 100 players to raise hundreds of thousands for a good cause. The cause of course is Keeping Kids in School through Liga MAC. This year promises to be another success. The venue is Querencia on December 8 – be sure to be on the invite list!

Parting Comments

Liga MAC’s Learning Centre, built thanks to generous donors in 2023, has been an educational hub and a community hub. Adult education courses, cultural programs, health and wellness workshops as well as Educational Support Programs for our students are offered throughout the year. Thanks to donor support our building has now been outfitted with solar panels and hurricane shutters (and survived a recent storm unscathed). The fundraising, programs, volunteer efforts and indeed, the Learning Centre itself, all come into focus when we open the annual yearbook and view another cohort of Liga MAC graduates ready to make their mark in the community and on the world. Our graduates are why we do what we do… but please know that we can only do it with the generous support from all of you – our Liga MAC family! 

Our sincere gratitude for your loyal support. 

Gracias!

Maria Lindenberg, President

Liga MAC Board of Directors

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

February 2025

Dear Liga MAC Family,

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

• February Profile: volunteering at Liga MAC
• Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila event another one for the records!
• New capital project fundraising goals
• Existing programs continue as new student learning opportunities arise

Volunteer Profile: From Board members to Liga MAC Ambassadors

What does the name Liga MAC mean? Executive Director, Elva Haro likes to say that “everything starts with the name!” Twenty-eight years ago, when Pearl Pardy and her small band of volunteers were trying to name their new charitable group, they decided to incorporate the founders’ nationalities – Mexican, American and Canadian. Thus the name became: Liga MAC (League of Mexicans, Americans, Canadians). Today, that designation still holds true. Many Liga MAC volunteers have made their homes in San Jose del Cabo, some are seasonal visitors and others have family ties going back generations but all are committed to helping improve lives in San Jose del Cabo through education.

One volunteer and full time resident of San Jose has spent several years working on fundraising committees and donor development and was recently accepted to the Board of Liga MAC. Ex-pat Canadian, Fran Shields, joins her 6 other Board members effective immediately. Fran shares a strong passion for Liga MAC’s mission to provide students in need with the necessary support to stay in school and advance their education.

Liga MAC volunteers are the engine that drives the organization. From Board members to ESL teachers to volunteers manning booths at the organic markets and Donation Centre, volunteers raise funds, function as Liga MAC’s ambassadors and are responsible through the Board for governance and oversight.

At our recent Tacos Tostadas & Tequila fundraising event, a new category of Liga MAC volunteer emerged. Our students are learning about giving back from the very volunteers that support them. First year university student Valeria Zamora shared the following in her message to those at the event:

“During this vacation (Christmas) I decided to volunteer at Liga MAC giving English classes which I liked and made me feel excited. I’d like to thank you all because you’re an inspiration to me. You’re volunteers at Liga MAC and I admire that a lot because you help the community in an honest way which awakened in me the motivation to be a volunteer and help others.”

Congratulations to new Board member Fran Shields and new volunteer Valeria! For anyone wanting to participate in a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer program, please contact Elva Haro.

Fundraising Activities: Tacos Tostadas & Tequila Event

• A resounding success with nearly $37,000 USD raised!
• Over 300 guests
• 13 chefs representing the finest restaurants in Los Cabos donated their skills and unique culinary creations
• Participants appreciated the arranged transportation to and from the event supplied by Terramar Transportation
• Baja Luna was the perfect, spacious location for the event
• Great music supplied by Sounddays and DJ Be-Producitons
• Many thanks to Baja Luna for supplying the venue and Del Cabo Events for supplying furnishings and decor
• 2 inspiring speeches from students Aranza Villanueva and Valeria

Check two short clips of the event on these social media links:
Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila Reel-1
Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila Reel-2

Learning Centre Facilities Update

Library – a donation from Tom and Judy Foster has enabled the purchase of 300 Young Adult Spanish language books. The books have been catalogued by the teachers of Colegio del Valle and are being linked to the tutoring classes. Del Valle Math teacher Ivan is inputting the books into a data base and borrowing system. Students are encouraged to leave their mobile devices at the door and to spend some time reading in the library.

Computer Centre – Staff noticed that the desktop computers located in the new Computer Centre were not being used to full advantage. Del Valle tutors soon realized that most students are familiar with mobile devices but not with desktop computers. Teachers are now incorporating computers into their Spanish and Math classes.

Surveillance Camera Security System – surveillance cameras have been purchased and will be installed shortly.

Sound System – Thanks to funding from the Q Foundation and the Eagle Wings Foundation, a sound system has been installed in the main lecture halls.

New Capital Project Fundraising Goals

In an effort to protect and improve our new asset, the Learning Centre, a campaign is being launched to purchase solar panels and hurricane roll shutters. The Learning Centre was designed to incorporate not only the addition of solar panels on the roof but the integration of them into the electrical system. Hurricane Odile in 2014 caused expensive and extensive damage throughout San Jose del Cabo. Liga MAC hopes to protect the upper classroom windows from the same fate with the addition of hurricane shutters. For more information or to make a donation to this campaign, please contact Elva at elva@ligamac.org.

Educational Support Program Report:

Ongoing – Spanish and Math Tutoring for 138 grade 7, 8 and 9 students; meet for 2 classes per week some using the Computer Lab; under the instruction of teachers from Centro Pedagogico del Valle

Continuing – Self-Esteem & Social Skills for 47 grade 7 students; 1.5 hours per week; facilitated by staff member Consuelo Espinosa

Health Through Education cooking classes facilitated by Chef Tadd Chapman including onsite sustainable gardening instruction; 47 grade 10 students and their parents

[Watch Video: Healthy Cooking Class at Liga MAC]

Conversational ESL Winter Program for 75 grade 11 and 12 students facilitated by Liga MAC volunteers

Year round ESL Program facilitated by Teacher Juan Carlos Cotamo and volunteers for 45 grade 8 students and 24 grade 11 students

Music appreciation (Choir) mixed group of 15 students of all ages

Volunteer Activities

San Jose Organic Market – Liga MAC volunteers host an information booth at the market on Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The booth has used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located in La Huerta Sports Club north of Centenario Blvd on the north side of San Jose del Cabo.

Palmilla Organic Market – Liga MAC volunteers host an information booth at the market on Friday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The booth has used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located at the Shoppes of Palmilla.

Liga MAC Donation Centre – Located at Paseo de los Marinos Blvd and Calle Goleta in Colonia El Chamizal, the Donation Centre receives gently used household items, clothes and books which it offers to the public for a donation. Run by volunteers, students and their parents, the centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Parting Comments

Originally meant to signify the nationalities of Liga MAC’s first volunteers, today Liga MAC’s name carries another truth. Liga MAC means community. It is the coming together of different beliefs, ethnicities and backgrounds for one common good – the improvement of lives through education. The pull to start volunteering comes from many different motivations. Some feel a responsibility to give back. Others enjoy the camaraderie or want to learn a new language by engaging with native speakers. Still others, perhaps newly retired, need a purpose. Whatever the initial reason, those that choose to stay with Liga MAC feel a part of something bigger than themselves. They look with pride at the young high school and university graduates who would not have been able to attain their goals without the support of Liga MAC. And they feel the love and appreciation of those students in return.

Please consider volunteering. You will make a difference!

With pride,
Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

January 2025

Dear Friends of Liga MAC

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

• Local business sponsors Liga MAC fundraiser for 2nd year
• Activities and programs abound at Liga MAC’s Learning Centre
• Liga MAC volunteer activities in full swing
• 15th Annual Knick Nac Golf Tournament a resounding success!

Community Sponsor Profile: Baja Luna

Tucked away on the edge of the San Jose arroyo in an area of mango orchards is one of San Jose del Cabo’s best kept secrets. Event location, Baja Luna, hosts over 100 weddings annually plus numerous other private functions and fundraisers. On January 29th, for the second consecutive year, Baja Luna will be the location for an event benefitting Liga MAC. The “Tacos Tostadas & Tequila” event (TTT) is the brainchild of Baja Luna chef/partner and Liga MAC Board Director, Tadd Chapman. In addition to being on Liga MAC’s Board for over 8 years, Tadd is also an instructor in Liga MAC’s Health Through Education program where he shares his knowledge of economical and nutritious food preparation with Liga MAC’s families. At Christmas this year, the staff of Baja Luna provided turkey dinners for 50 of Liga MAC’s most deserving families.

The TTT event will feature unique gourmet taco and tostada creations styled by 10+ local chefs paired with tequila and wine offerings. Baja Luna’s spacious grounds have ample room for the event’s 300 guests to wander from food station to food station and enjoy table seating provided by Del Cabo Events. Live music by Soundays and continuous music by DJ Be-Productions will supply an evening full of music. Tadd guarantees that no one will go home hungry. Each event ticket includes 5 food selections and a welcome drink plus 4 drink choices. For the first time, VIP tables featuring a dedicated server, unlimited food and drinks plus priority lounge seating will be available. So that ticket holders can party responsibly, Terramar Transportation will provide transportation from a central location for a nominal fee for those interested.

The atmosphere of Baja Luna ensures a relaxed, fun and friendly evening of wonderful food, music and socializing. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.ligamac.org or contact Elva at elva@ligamac.org.

Program Report

• All programs resumed after Christmas break at the Learning Centre on January 13
• Self-Esteem & Social Skills – 47 grade 7 students meet with Liga MAC’s staff member Consuelo for 1.5 hours once per week
• Spanish & Math Tutoring – 138 grade 7, 8 and 9 students meet for 2 Spanish language classes and 2 mathematics classes per week under the instruction of teachers from Centro Pedagogico del Valle
• The new year round ESL Program – 45 grade 8 students plus 24 grade 11 students meet twice per week under the supervision of teacher Juan Carlos Cotamo and with the assistance of expat English speaking volunteers
• Health Through Education – 47 grade 10 students and their parents attend regular lectures given by health professionals; learn healthy cooking habits from professional chefs; receive instruction on planting vegetable gardens; and learn how to exercise as a family with a physical education instructor

• Conversational ESL – 75 grade 11 and 12 students will participate in a conversational English program under the guidance of English speaking volunteers. Classes begin January 18 and continue until Spring Break
• Choir – 15 Liga MAC students meet once per week for an initiation to music theory and appreciation under the tutelage of Maestro Mario Lozano

Volunteer Activities:

San Jose Organic Market – Liga MAC volunteers host an information booth at the market on Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The booth has used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located in La Huerta Sports Club north of Centenario Blvd on the north side of San Jose del Cabo.

Palmilla Organic Market – Liga MAC volunteers host an information booth at the market on Friday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The booth has used books, Liga MAC merchandise and handmade crafts available for a donation. The market is located at the Shoppes of Palmilla.

Liga MAC Donation Centre – Located at Paseo de los Marinos Blvd and Calle Goleta in Colonia El Chamizal, the Donation Centre receives gently used household items, clothes and books which it offers to the public for a donation. Run by volunteers, students and their parents, the centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Fundraising Activities

Knick Nac Golf Tournament – A sold out group of 80 players were on hand for the 15th Annual Knick Nac Golf Tournament at Querencia Golf Course. They enjoyed a round of golf, a delicious buffet meal and an array of silent auction items ranging from international golf trips to local dining. At the end of the evening a record sum of $195,000 was raised for Liga MAC’s programs. Congratulations to the event organizers! Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament.

Parting Comments

We have said more than once, that it takes a village to finance and support the students and programs of Liga MAC. The village in this case includes not just our many wonderful donors and volunteers but also our community sponsors like Baja Luna, Del Cabo Events, Terramar Transportation, the TTT chefs and many, many other local companies. These companies not only value the work done by Liga MAC to support local students but in many cases also hire Liga MAC graduates. Our successful community supported fundraising events allow our students to participate in life changing programs like English as a Second Language, music appreciation and Health Through Education. Please remember that when you patronize local businesses, you are also supporting Liga MAC.

With gratitude,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

November, 2024

Dear Liga MAC Family,

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

• Liga MAC receives a prestigious designation
• Volunteers represent Liga MAC at WWT PGA tournament
• Learning Centre brimming with activity
• SOLD OUT! Knick Nac Golf Tournament benefitting Liga MAC ready to hit the links!

Designation Profile: Liga MAC awarded AIT

With a 27-year history of helping the local community of San Jose del Cabo, Liga MAC’s work is its own reward but earning the respect of organizations and institutions further afield adds to Liga MAC’s cachet and credibility.

Liga MAC was recently recognized by Cemefi – Mexican Centre for Philanthropy – with an AIT (Accreditation Institucionalidad & Transparency) designation. Founded in 1988, Cemefi is a community of 1,600 agencies, organizations and individuals committed to generating just, social change in a collaborative way. Their AIT award is given annually by renewal or new application to qualifying non-governmental organizations. In order to qualify, applicants must comply with a list of 10 verifiable indicators which include: legal and tax compliance, public visibility, accountability, transparency, a strong volunteer base, an oversight Board, sustainability, compliance with labour laws and sound strategic planning.

The purpose of the award is to provide any individual, company or institution with the means to clearly identify a non-governmental organization’s legal status and capacity to operate. The award generates trust and opportunities for collaboration and improving resources. Renewed every 2 years, the awards have been presented by Cemefi since 2014. In 2024, 632 organizations retained their designation, 280 renewed and 61 new organizations including Liga MAC were added. In Baja California Sur, Liga MAC is one of only 4 organizations with the AIT designation.

The awards ceremony took place in Mexico City on October 25, 2024. Liga MAC’s Executive Director, Elva Haro, attended by video conferencing.

Other News at Liga MAC:

World Wide Technology PGA Tournament @ El Cardonal Golf Course at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas

For the second consecutive year Liga MAC volunteers stepped up to volunteer at the WWT PGA Tournament from Nov. 7 to 10. Liga MAC’s 49 volunteers included staff, students & their parents. The experience afforded our students a chance to practice their English, learn about residential communities in their municipality with potential for career opportunities and to learn about the sport of golf. With one of the largest contingent of volunteers, Liga MAC’s team was responsible for the 18th hole from tee to green, volunteer services and the captaining of walking scorers and standard bearers.

Liga MAC Learning Centre

When visitors dropped by the Learning Centre last week, they found activities in progress in every room of the building. Chefs Tadd Chapman and David Merin were leading a cooking class for the Health Through Education program; Spanish and Math tutoring programs were being conducted; Celia Villalobos was leading a fitness class; and Juan Carlos Cotamo was working with his ESL class. The large lecture area on the main floor has hosted recent presentations by local dentists, a psychologist speaking to the challenges of drug abuse, IMSS hospital doctors discussing breast cancer and prostate cancer prevention. Volunteer Mario Lozano has started his music program with classes 3 times a week in basic music theory and music appreciation. He is hoping to have his singers ready to perform in the municipal Christmas concert. The computer study area is now complete with 7 desktop computers and is able to host students doing research and homework. Grade 12 students are on hand to help.

Knick Nac Golf Tournament

The 15th annual tournament benefitting Liga MAC is set to tee off on December 2 with a full complement of players. The event will be held at Querencia Golf Course and includes a silent auction, dinner, a round of golf on a world class private course with prizes for the successful team. Good luck all!

Tacos, Tostadas and Tequila

As with last year’s successful TTT event at Baja Luna event centre, ticket holders this year will enjoy gourmet tacos and tostadas delivered by 5 local chefs and washed down with a selection of tequilas. Live musical entertainment completes the scene. With only 200 tickets available for the January 29, 2025 event, they will go fast. Look for them to go on sale in mid December or contact Elva Haro at elva@ligamac.org for more information.

Liga MAC Donation Centre and Organic Market Booths

Look for Liga MAC booths at both the Friday organic market at Palmilla (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) and the Saturday San Jose Organic Market (9:00 am to 12 Noon). Or, during the week you can find English and Spanish language books and gently used household items available for a small donation at the Donation Centre on Boulevard Marinos, Colonia Chamizal on Tuesday and Saturday mornings (8:00 am to 1:00 pm). Or, if you have items to donate bring them to the Donation Centre during opening hours or contact Sonia Trujilo.

Closing Remarks

A track record of charitable accomplishments and a long history of community involvement are the visible and obvious signs of an organization’s success. But beyond the obvious, questions arise about an organization’s sustainability. Is the organization filing its tax returns and legal documents? Are they treating their staff in a fair and legal manner? Is there operational and managerial transparency? Do the donors receive an annual report? Is the operational budget sustainable? Is there a contingency fund? To other collaborative organizations, foundations and individual donors the answers to these questions will influence their involvement. Liga MAC’s AIT designation verifies that all the boxes have been ticked. It is not only a tool for potential donors but an authentication that Liga MAC is on the right track.

With sincere appreciation,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

September 2024

Dear Liga MAC Family

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

• Health Through Education program reboot starts this month
• Most Liga MAC support programs will begin in October
• Hurricane preparedness taking place at Liga MAC Learning Centre
• 2023/2024 Student Yearbook is ready for viewing

Student Support Program Profile: Health Through Education

One of Liga MAC’s core tenets holds that all aspects of a student’s life must be considered in the quest to achieve educational goals. This holistic approach includes factors that impact a student’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being. Prior to the pandemic lockdown, Liga MAC’s “Health Through Education” program was delivering information on healthy lifestyles and eating habits to students and their families. The program was suspended in February 2020 but is scheduled to resume this month at the Liga MAC Learning Centre.

Liga MAC’s Coordinator of Social Services, Consuelo Espinosa, has been working with local health professionals to schedule bimonthly presentations at the Learning Centre. (* See a current list of health professionals involved in our Health Through Education program.) The first session to which students and their parents are invited will be held on September 7 and features psychiatrist, Dr. Martha Camargo, speaking about teen depression and anxiety.

Nutritionist, Alejandra Martinez, who was involved in the pre-pandemic program, returns to offer 3 workshops for Grade 10 students: Diet Culture and Food and Body Violence; Body Mapping: Learning to Inhabit Your Body; and, Fighting Obesity to Prevent Diabetes, Cancer & Heart Disease. The workshops will be offered this fall, next spring and towards the end of the school year.

Physical educator, Cecilia Villalobos, reprises her work with students and parents by sharing her knowledge of easy, fun and family friendly ways to incorporate fitness into everyday living. We are also thrilled to announce that new facilitators are joining our program. Our friends from F45 and Palestra Gyms, will add their expertise to the program.

Also returning to the Health Through Education program, Chef Tadd Chapman, will christen the Learning Centre’s new kitchen facilities and offer hands-on healthy and economical food preparation for students and their parents.

Disease prevention and education have never been more important as patients experience long wait times to see health professionals and the cancelation of the federal health insurance program, Seguro Popular, means fewer patients can afford to see a physician. A slate of physicians and dentists have stepped up to not only offer their advice but also their services. A local dentist will lecture on proper oral health and offer dental triage for all 43 students enrolled in his program.

Other physicians, including long time supporter, cardiologist Dr. Alejandro Velderrain, will offer information on heart disease, pain management, spinal health, sleep health and prostate and reproductive system cancers. As well, Liga MAC will offer its advocacy services to educate families about all the services that are available to them. Working together with the local medical community, Liga MAC is creating a “big picture” health overview for our families.

* List of Health Through Education presenters (to date):

• Dr. Mauricio Mercado, Internal & Geriatric Medicine & Leader of the Health Through Education Program
• Dr. Martha Camargo, Psychiatrist
• Dr. Ricardo Granados, Psychologist
• Dr. Alejandro Velderrain Zazueta, Cardiologist
• Dr. Diego Ibarra, Urologist
• Dra. Irasema Garcia, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Miguel Ortega, Gyecologist
• Dr. Beatriz Montes de Oca
• Dr. Rogelio Gastelum, Dentist
• Dr. Guadalupe Valdez, Dentist
• Dr. Rogelio Rojas, Dentist
• Dr. Juan Ruben Rivera Cabrera (Youth Center for Drug Addiction Prevention – Centro de Integración Juvenil in Spanish)
• Dr. Dulce Castro Lugo, Psychologist (Youth Center for Drug Addiction Prevention Centro de Integración Juvenil in Spanish)
• Dr. Alejandra Martinez, Nutritionist
• Tadd Chapman, Chef & Colleagues Chefs of Habaneros Rest. & Baja Luna
• Daniel Lopez, Optometrist

Other News at Liga MAC

• Recent rains have revealed areas of concern with regard to drainage at the Learning Centre. Repairs and upgrading are taking place in preparation for potential hurricanes.
• Hurricane potential and possible class cancellation has pushed the start of most programs to October including the new Extended ESL program, Spanish and Math Tutoring, Agents of Change, Self-Esteem and Social Skills Workshop.
• A new/old program will be offered this fall to students interested in music. Musician and former Liga MAC choir facilitator, Mario Lozano, will offer an open call for participants and begin a 4 month program of vocal instruction and music appreciation.
• Congratulations to Liga MAC’s most recent crop of 54 high school and 8 university graduates! Read about their accomplishments, their aspirations and their views on Liga MAC’s role in their lives in our online yearbook HERE

• Look for Liga MAC’s booth at the two organic markets in San Jose del Cabo beginning in November. Also, due to open in November, Liga MAC’s Donation Centre located on Marino Blvd. will be accepting donations of gently used household items and clothing.
• Maria Lindenberg, Liga MAC BOD President and volunteer co-ordinator, is accepting volunteers for the World Wide Technologies PGA Tournament to be held November 6 – 10, 2024 at Diamonte Golf Course. If you enjoy professional golf and would like to see the action first hand, contact Maria at sjdmena@gmail.com.
• The 15th annual Knick Nac Golf Tournament benefitting Liga MAC will be held December 2 at Querencia Golf Course. A silent auction, dinner, prizes and a round of golf on a championship course offers golfers an excellent afternoon while raising funds for a great cause! For more information contact Linda Myers at linda5.klas@gmail.com.

Parting Comments

It cannot be overstated: the Liga MAC Learning Centre is having a huge positive impact on students, facilitators, staff, volunteers, donors and the local community! The fact that ALL Liga MAC programs are now conducted at the Learning Centre with several having been resurrected from pandemic closures plus new programs being added to the repertoire, only underscores the vitality of the facility. As “Health Through Education” program facilitator and nutritionist, Alejandra Martinez pointed out recently after viewing the lecture space for the first time, “this is heaven for workshops and seminars!” This piece of heaven would not be possible without the incredible support from donors, community sponsors and volunteers. Together we are continuing to change lives!

Con mucho cariño,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

August 2024

Dear Liga MAC Family

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

The Liga MAC Learning Centre is proving to be more than just a building where classes are conducted. It is truly a centre of learning, a place where community comes together and a location to celebrate our accomplishments. Our profile this month relates the Liga MAC’s support programs’ special closing ceremonies held on July 6 at the Learning Centre with presentations by facilitators and students for invited guests.

The thorough Liga MAC student support program application and selection process has been completed and we share the outcome for two families we highlighted at the beginning of the registration process in May.

With school starting again in a matter of weeks, Liga MAC’s programs get a quick review and upgrade in preparation for this year’s slate of support program students.

Although still a few months away from the return of our seasonal volunteers, Liga MAC volunteer organizing committees have been planning several events for which you will want to SAVE the DATE!

Student Support Program Profiles: School Year Celebrations

Organized by Liga MAC staff member and Co-ordinator of Educational Programs, Maguie Martinez, Liga MAC’s student support programs’ yearend celebration took place on July 6 at the Learning Centre. In addition to students, their parents and teachers, invited guests included Querencia Foundation Executive Director, Gaby Almada; Community Partner Del Cabo Events Manager of Human Resources Francisco Valverde and Marketing Director, Juan Jose Del Río; Liga MAC Board of Director, Julián Pontón; and Liga MAC Volunteer Committee members Fran and Steve Shields and Dick and Linda Myers.

Celebration highlights included the address from Valeria Zamora Roldán (see November update), a 5 year veteran of the student support program, who was selected as the co-valedictorian of her school year (she tied for highest GPA). Valeria declared that Liga MAC was more than a scholarship, it was a “second home” for her and that Liga MAC programs helped her “get out of (her) comfort zone”. During the pandemic, she was thankful for Liga MAC’s comprehensive support for her and her family. Liga MAC’s tutoring program which began as a result of the pandemic, introduced Valeria to the world of reading and Liga MAC’s ESL (English as a Second Language) program opened the door to learning about other people and cultures.

Gris del Valle, facilitator and head instructor of Liga MAC’s Spanish and Mathematics Tutoring program, acknowledged the 100+ participants in her program and how their accomplishments helped boost their self-esteem. Thirty students of the program were singled out for their exemplary attitude and achievements.

The afternoon was capped off with refreshments provided by the families and group photos that included attendees.

Student Support Program Registration – Completed!

Student support program applications were reviewed and acceptance exams and interactive orientations scheduled for shortlisted students. The final step was a family interview with Liga MAC staff to verify financial eligibility and to ensure that parents understand the extent of their required involvement in the program.

Once all the conditions were met, families were issued with vouchers for school uniforms and shoes. Liga MAC staff are particularly proud of the fact that they are able to issue vouchers close to the end of the school year so that Liga MAC students will be able to make their purchases immediately and not have to wait until the supplies are limited closer to the start of school.

The Liga MAC school year of 2024/25 includes:

• Grade 7 – 47 students
• Grade 8 – 47 students
• Grade 9 – 40 students
• Grade 10 – 44 students
• Grade 11 – 43 students
• Grade 12 – 43 students
• University – 26 students
• Total = 290 students

Ten openings remain and staff continue to review applications and interview families to bring us to a full complement of 300 students.

Registration Insight: A Tale of Two Families

Application submission #1

In May, single mother Ana heard about Liga MAC’s student support program and requested an application for her twin daughters who will enter Grade 10. As mentioned in May there were limited student support program positions available for Grade 10 students not already in the Liga MAC system. The main hurdle to contend with however was beyond Liga MAC’s control: the availability of high school classroom seats. Space in Los Cabos high school classrooms is extremely limited and hotly contested. However, the twins by virtue of their high school admittance exams were able to acquire positions in Ceycet 04 high school.

Liga MAC requires shortlisted applicants to participate in an orientation and interactive seminar. Students are asked to perform group tasks and are evaluated by teachers from Centro Pedagógico del Valle and Liga MAC staff. Their group activities test their respect for others, personal performance, co-operation and participation, ability to work with others, sociability and attitudes, and division of labour. Lastly, students and their families are interviewed by Liga MAC staff where so much can be gleaned from one on one conversations that allows Liga MAC to better understand the family’s needs.

In this case, it devolved that the family was in need of psychological trauma counselling. Since their initial interview in May, Ana has found temporary employment which allows her to receive IMSS medical insurance and treatment for her lupus. She is also working as a tutor from her home. The family currently share a rented casita provided by another family member. With all the elements checked off the list of requirements, Liga MAC was happy to admit both girls into the Liga MAC student support program.

Application submission #2

As a student entering Grade 8, the requirements facing Camila Guadalupe and her family were fewer than a student entering high school. She was required to:

1. Submit an application complete with school grade transcripts
2. Write a Liga MAC entrance exam
3. Participate in the Liga MAC orientation and interactive seminar
4. Participate in a family interview and provide evidence of financial need.

Unfortunately, Camila’s admittance test results and interactive seminar results were extremely low. Her paperwork was completed well and in a timely fashion and her personal presentation was good, but her test results eliminated her from proceeding to the personal interview. The good news for Camila is that if she is able to improve academically, she will be considered for next year’s student support program application process.

And so it begins…

Official school intake begins on August 26. However, for Grade 10 (freshman year) and 1st year university students, a two week preparation course begins on August 12. Each school organizes its own preparation course and provides a “refresher” handbook. The reason for this extra workload lies in the fact that the dropout rate between Grade 9 and 10 is approximately 20% and the education system is hoping to rectify the situation. In the case of ITES university, the final list of accepted students is not released until after the results of the preparation courses. A lot is riding on these two weeks of review!

Student Support Programs Preparation

Based on last year’s results, Liga MAC staff member and facilitator of the Self-Esteem and Social Skills Workshop for Grade 7 students, Consuelo Espinosa, will ramp up her program to extend for a longer period and include more confidence building exercises. Consuelo found that the current crop of students whether because of the pandemic lock down or other influences, were withdrawn and did not communicate well.

Meanwhile, Mathematics and Spanish Tutoring classes will be revamped to include more team based sessions incorporating interactive and fun learning options with an emphasis on raising self-esteem.

Our Agents of Change program is receiving a complete makeover. Previously outsourced to a third party, Liga MAC staff have designed a new independent program to develop leadership and communication skills and promote confidence and self-esteem. Students will be required to work together on a year-long community project of their choosing.

An exciting new concept for Liga MAC students will reward their achievements with group field trips. Yet to be finalized but being considered are field trips to the Museum of Modern Art in La Paz, a visit to the historic mining towns of El Triunfo and San Antonio or possibly an ocean or desert based trip. Stay tuned…

Volunteer Activities and Events

World Wide Technologies PGA Golf Tournament

The success of last year’s first PGA tournament in Los Cabos has prompted World Wide Technologies to again sponsor the tournament at Diamante Golf Course, November 6 – 10, 2024. Liga MAC has also pledged to provide volunteers again this year. If you are interested in volunteering for Liga MAC at the WWT PGA tournament please contact Maria Lindenberg at sjdmena@gmail.com.

Knick Nac Golf Tournament at Querencia Golf Course

One of Liga MAC’s most successful and enduring fundraisers, the Knick Nac Golf Tournament at Querencia Golf Course, will return this fall on December 2, 2024. It’s our 15th annual golf tournament so Save the Date for this sell out fundraiser. Details will be announced in the coming months.

Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila

Back by popular demand is our relaxed, casually fun Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila fundraiser on January 29, 2025. The event will once again be staged at Baja Luna and will be inclusive of gourmet signature tacos, adult beverages and live music under the stars. More details to come…

Parting Comments

As preparations are made for the coming school year, there is a permeating atmosphere of contentment and pride throughout the Liga MAC Learning Centre. Students, facilitators, staff and volunteers feel the shift in attitude and permanency. Our programs now have a home, our students have a base, and our staff are able to conduct their daily business in a professional setting with confidence and security. With each of our 27 years, Liga MAC volunteers and donors have helped to advance Liga MAC’s capacity to help those in need in San Jose del Cabo. It is important to remember our humble roots when we review with pride what we have collectively achieved. Thank you to all our volunteers and donors past, present and future!

With immense gratitude,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

July, 2024

Dear Liga MAC Family

What’s happening at Liga MAC:

There are many steps and many people involved in helping our Liga MAC students achieve their educational goals. Representing Liga MAC at ITES university convocation ceremonies on June 6, staff and mentors were the lucky ones to witness the final steps in our students’ education journeys.

The Liga MAC student support program registration process continues with some minor hiccups. The Learning Centre hosted orientation seminars for potential student candidates and their families on June 22.

Small improvements and construction finishing touches continue at the Learning Centre but do not impede meetings, counselling sessions, classes and program activities.

Continuing its tradition of helping students’ families with whatever assistance they require, Liga MAC has developed a strong program of advocacy, medical assistance and a transparent “despensa” (food assistance) program.

University Graduate Profiles: 7 new graduates

The 6 students who received their degrees from ITES university and one from UNABC (Autonomous University of Baja California) Cabo San Lucas campus, have been a part of the Liga MAC family and involved in the educational support program, depending on the individual, for between 5 and 10 years. All recognized that without the support they received, their dream would not have become a reality. UNABC law student, Susana Vazquez Morales, told Liga MAC Executive Director, Elva Haro, that the dedication and responsibility she learned from her time with Liga MAC are things she will employ in her professional and personal life going forward.

Whereas most students’ crowning moments were shared with family, Norma Bracamontes (Profile in August 2022 update) was supported at the convocation ceremonies by her mentor, Tania Suastegui. Norma lost her parents to the violence in her home state of Guerrero and moved as a teen to be with her aunt in Los Cabos. When her familial relationship soured, Liga MAC helped source a mentor and role model for Norma. Tania and Norma’s relationship has blossomed over the years to the point where they consider each other family. Norma graduated from the Gastronomy program at ITES and with Tania’s help has found full time work in the kitchens of Cabo Azul Hotel.

ITES University offers 9 semester programs, the last semester of which is work experience. Many students’ work experience evolves to full time employment and such is the case with Anahi Casarrubias De La Cruz who is employed thanks to Liga MAC’s help in Querencia’s IT department; Litzy Mendez de Leon who also graduated from the IT program and is working with Global VOIP de Mexico; Ana Julia Herrera Figueroa who graduated from the Gastronomy program and is working again thanks to Liga MAC at Don Sanchez Restaurant. Others have graduated and found work on their own like Heidi Ahimelec Rodriguez Gutierrez who graduated with a degree in architecture and is now working with Grupo Meir in Monte Real; Erick Antonio Meza Muñoz who graduated from the IT program and has found work at the San Jose airport with Grupo R & R; and, accounting graduate Juana Jared Gatica who works at Jazmin Restaurant in San Jose del Cabo.

Law student, Susana Vazquez Morales, who graduates from UNABC in July, is not currently working in her field but has been taking more courses, perfecting her English, working as an independent photographer and making sure her resumé reaches all potential employers.

Although it is the end of their formal relationship with Liga MAC, all Liga MAC educational support program students are considered part of the Liga MAC family and are encouraged to stay in touch. We look forward to hearing more from this crop of 2024 university graduates.

Student Support Programs

Self-Esteem and Social Skills Workshop – The extension of the Self-Esteem and Social Skills Workshop deemed necessary to create a better student self image for our current crop of Grade 7 students has unfortunately been put on hold. Facilitator, Consuelo Espinosa experienced a health issue which required surgery. Consuelo is making a full recovery and will resume her duties in the new school year.

Agents of Change – Parents and guests have been invited to attend the scheduled conclusion of the Agents of Change program which will take place at the Boys and Girls Club premises on July 13 and include participants’ final project presentations. The program has been operated by the Boys and Girls Club at their facility.

Spanish and Mathematic Tutoring – The year long tutoring program has had multiple side benefits (see information on Registration in this Update) including fostering a better attitude towards study and school work. The program will culminate in a special ceremony July 6 with invited guests, parents, staff and students to recognize students’ participation, attitude and progress.

English as a Second Language, Pilot Program – The designer and facilitator of the ESL pilot program, Juan Carlos Cotamo, prepared year end student evaluations for presentation at the termination of classes on June 24. He is also preparing a results report and a proposal for the continuation of the year long program which will be presented to the Liga MAC Board for approval. Juan Carlos and selected pilot program students will also be involved in the July 6 special closing ceremonies.

Alas “Critical Thinking” – Facilitator Yessica Guillen invited parents of the 13 Grade 10 and 11 Liga MAC students who participated in her program to a special session at which she reported on the topics discussed and the participation levels of the students. Liga MAC Co-ordinator of Program Development, Maguie Martínez observed that a core group of 4 or 5 students participated actively but not all students were brave enough to express their opinions out loud.

Student Support Program Registration

As noted earlier, the registration process has received a number of setbacks, the most important one being, a 2 month long strike by secondary school teachers (grades 7 – 9). The strike lead to disruption of classes and teachers demonstrations. The result for the students was loss of class time and no semester test results from which to determine year end marks. The result for Liga MAC was a slowdown in the number of and dissemination of student support program applications. The good news for our Liga MAC students was that despite the teachers’ strike, our students were still receiving instruction through the Spanish and Mathematics Tutoring Program which provided a strong basis for test results once classes resumed.

Liga MAC staff worked tirelessly for the two weeks prior to the June 7 deadline for support program application submissions to ensure that as many eligible students as possible received applications. Thankfully, their hard work paid off as 159 applications were received for 80 new positions. Parents and students were invited to attend an orientation at the Learning Centre to outline the requirements and what will be provided by Liga MAC. On June 29 those students who committed to proceeding took an entrance examination. Meanwhile, Liga MAC staff will be renewing 220 contracts in the coming week.

Next month we will report on the outcome of the entrance exam and track the status of our two new student application cases introduced in last month’s update: Grade 8 student Camila Guadalupe and twin Grade 10 students.

Learning Centre Update

Finishing details continue at the amazing new Learning Centre:

• Sound absorbing drapes have been installed in classrooms to counter the affects of the mostly hard surfaces ie. tile floors, concrete and plaster walls and ceilings.
• Desktop computers are now adorning the desktops in the computer room although installation of wifi service is still in process.
• The Liga MAC kitchen is now complete and plans are being hatched to resume the “Health Through Education” program designed and executed by Dr. Mauricio Mercado and Chef Tadd Chapman.
• The activity space just outside the classrooms has been completed with a new brick floor providing a cleaner surface.

Social Assistance

From its inception, Liga MAC has pledged to help families struggling to access basic needs. Once education was chosen as its main focus, Liga MAC incorporated medical and food assistance into a “wrap around” policy to meet our students’ families needs. In many cases, support already exists for our families and advocacy is all that is required. However, with the cancellation of the universal health care program, Seguro Popular, families receive cash rather than medical care and must source help from pharmacies and other agencies. Liga MAC provides guidance in such cases.

With regard to “Despensa” or food supplements, government regulations to crack down on abuses have added an extra layer of vigilance. When families in need are granted a 1,200 peso food allowance, they must set up an appointment with Liga MAC staff so that the actual purchases are noted and paid for by staff who then receive a factura (official receipt) from the grocery store.

During COVID and Hurricane Odile in 2014, Liga MAC’s already well established assistance program allowed for a seamless delivery of service to our families.

Parting Comments

Ten years of involvement with Liga MAC can represent nearly half a student’s lifetime. It is no wonder that strong bonds exist between our Liga MAC staff, our students and their families. That bond extends to the hundreds of individuals who are involved in the process of helping our educational support students achieve their goals. We hear feedback from our students that consistently mirrors their surprise that so many people from so many disparate walks of life care about them and their future. That is the definition of family: love, caring and support. Thank you Liga MAC Family!

Gratefully,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors

 

May 2024

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

Our previous update referenced the fact that many high school students who may be hardworking, bright and willing do not receive the level of education they desire due to the limitations of the education system (overcrowded schools, limited curriculum, limited resources, overworked teachers) and their own economic constraints. It is Liga MAC’s mission to bridge the gap between students and their educational goals. Every year Liga MAC provides educational support for about 300 students based on need and ability. The process to select students for the program is open to all and will evolve over the next two months.

As the school year moves towards a close and our graduates prepare for life beyond high school, Liga MAC staff will be organizing counselling and information sessions to help graduates navigate post secondary options including scholarship opportunities. Those students moving from middle school to high school will be able to attend, together with their parents, an informational symposium with representatives from the 5 San Jose high schools to review entrance requirements.

One Liga MAC program, Agents of Change, will continue into the summer while the remaining programs are wrapping up for the year. Our new ESL pilot program has been very successful and will be evaluated for continuation next school year.

The seasonal shift of snowbirds back to their summer pursuits means that the events and venues manned by Liga MAC’s hardworking volunteers will be on summer hiatus. But plans are already in place for next season’s fundraisers and activities.

System Profile: Educational Support Program Application Process

The process to select worthy students for Liga MAC’s student support program begins in mid April with submission of candidate applications. Information about where and how to apply is circulated through the school system, broadcasted via digital news and radio and advertised in printed form at shopping centres, bus-stops and other public venues. Application forms are available online and must be submitted in person together with supporting documents. The process which may sound daunting is made more palatable by video instructions, application printouts available at the Liga MAC Learning Centre as well as multi-media advertising campaigns informing candidates of the process.

Applications are open to all students entering Grade 7 to Grade 12. However, the greatest number of openings are in the lower grades allowing students to receive the full benefit of Liga MAC support as they progress to graduation. This year Liga MAC is looking to accept new 48 Grade 7 students and 30 more to fill spaces between 8 to 12 grade. Applications for high school are accepted but on a waitlist basis.

The selection process which begins in mid June includes an entrance exam and interview before a final selection is made in mid July. Once selected the candidate and his or her family or guardians will attend interactive seminars and be required to sign a contract with Liga MAC. Students who apply and are accepted into Liga MAC’s educational support program in Grade 7 are entitled to continue on to graduation from high school provided they show economic need and commit to:

• maintaining an 8.5/10.0 GPA or greater
• 90% attendance for Liga MAC programs
• regularly attending school classes

Parents or guardians must also commit to volunteering with Liga MAC and to being actively involved in their child’s education. Once a student and his or her family are accepted, Liga MAC commits to supplying uniforms, school supplies, tuition fees, counselling, support programs, and when necessary medical and basic needs support. The program package is a complete one and students vie not only for the opportunity to be accepted into the educational support program but also to stay in the program. Each year a number of new students are accepted as program participants graduate from Grade 12, students are dropped due to not fulfilling their commitments to Liga MAC and/or when students move away from the area.

To understand the application and selection process we will follow two student candidates and their families over the coming months:

Submission # 1 – Single mother, Ana, sought help from Liga MAC after arriving recently from Mexico City. Ana has twins who will be entering Grade 10 in August. Unfortunately, she does not yet have employment but retrained in the information technology sector. Ana has been diagnosed with the auto-immune disease Lupus and will not have IMSS health insurance coverage until she finds employment. The family does receive assistance from the father of one of the 3 older children. One of the obstacles facing the twins is the fact that they are applying for a position in Grade 10 where most of the educational support program positions are already taken. However, Liga MAC turns away no one in true need. Once their application form is completed and submitted they will receive a ticket for their orientation meeting and must also pass the qualifying exam and interview.

Submission #2 – Camila Guadalupe, a Grade 8 student, is one of 3 children being raised by their widowed mother Karina. The mother is a self employed cook who makes empanadas from her home in La Ballena Colonia near the San Jose airport. Camila will enter Technica 14 school in August. She has now completed and submitted her application and received a ticket for her orientation meeting on Saturday, June 22.

Student Support Programs

Self-Esteem and Social Skills Workshop – Liga MAC staff member, Consuelo Espinosa, facilitates the confidence building workshop for Grade 7 students. Originally slated to finish at the end of April, Consuelo has decided to extend the program for 3 more sessions spaced 2 weeks apart. Assisted by volunteer Amparo Zuluaga, the workshop will include board games designed to build social skills.

Agents of Change – The program is conducted in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club and jointly facilitated. The 43 Grade 9 Liga MAC students involved in the program must research and prepare a community project to be delivered in mid July. The students will be working with their Spanish tutors (Spanish and Math Tutor program) to prepare and execute the presentation.

Spanish and Mathematics Tutoring – Facilitated by the professional teachers from Centro Pedagogico del Valle, 120 Grade 7, 8 and 9 grade students grouped according to their abilities participate in Math and Spanish extracurricular studies. Spanish classes include the reading out loud of contemporary novels while also concentrating on writing and spelling skills. The program will terminate at the end of the school year.

[Watch Video: Spanish and Mathematics Tutoring]

English As a Second Language, Pilot Program – Volunteer teacher, Juan Carlos Cotamo, has been pleased with the results of his test program. The pilot program seeks to raise the level of English language comprehension and execution amongst its participants by continuing classes throughout the school year. Although the comprehension level has been very low, Juan Carlos has made good progress and is thankful for the help he has received from native speaking volunteers.

[Watch Video: English As a Second Language]

“Alas” Critical Thinking – Facilitated by volunteer Yessica Guillen, this workshop encourages the 13 Liga MAC participants to set aside their cell phones and concentrate on thinking, analyzing, questioning and self analysis. Participants meet once per week until the termination of the school year.

Alas & Águilas – The co-ed self-awareness and sexuality programs will be facilitated by therapist, Heddy Villasenor. The 5 Saturday morning sessions will begin May 11 and end on the final Saturday morning with a conference for parents and students.

Volunteer Activities and Events

San Jose Organic Market, Palmilla Organic Market & Liga MAC Donation Centre – With the bulk of our volunteers returning to their summer homes, there will not be a Liga MAC presence at the organic markets for the remainder of this season but participation will resume in November. The Liga MAC Donation Centre closed for the season with a big “clearance day” on Saturday, May 4; however donations are always accepted and can be made by contacting: Sonia Trujillo at Mobile/WhatsApp +1(624)224-2676.

World Wide Technologies PGA Golf Tournament – After the success of the first PGA tournament held in Los Cabos, November 2 – 5, 2023, sponsor World Wide Technologies has pledged to renew the tournament in 2024. Liga MAC had one of the largest contingent of volunteers at the tournament and has committed to supplying volunteers again in 2024. If you are interested in volunteering for Liga MAC at the WWT PGA tournament in November 7-10, 2024, please contact Maria Lindenberg at sjdmena@gmail.com.

Tacos, Tostadas & Tequila – Another wildly successful event held this January, the TTT fundraising event benefitting Liga MAC will be reprised early in 2025. Host, chef, restauranteur Tadd Chapman is planning an even bigger event for next year at his event centre, Baja Luna. Look for more information later this year.

Parting Comments

Perhaps the most important and labour intensive part of Liga MAC’s year occurs when its volunteers, donors and board members are not present. The tasks of recruitment and processing of Liga MAC’s education support program students, it’s “raison d’etre”, falls to Liga MAC’s 4 staff members. The 4 month long procedure which includes receiving applications, processing applications, interviewing, testing, conducting orientations, and dispersing uniform vouchers, school supplies and tuition fees will be conducted for the first time in one location – the Liga MAC Learning Centre! A busy time to be sure but a purposeful and exciting time as graduates who have been with Liga MAC for up to 6 years move to the next stage of their lives and shy, hopeful 13 year olds are welcomed into the Liga MAC family.

With anticipation and optimism,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors