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Keeping Mexicans in Mexico the Lake Chapala Way!
Karen McConnaughey
Focus on Mexico
Keeping Mexicans in Mexico the Lake Chapala Way !
We had a rather spirited discussion recently among our Focus on Mexico team relating to an article in the Guadalajara Reporter…about how some of the state governments in Mexico are turning to a unique way of keeping the next generation of young Mexicans at home with their families.
The gist of the article:
Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzalez this week announced a scholarship program for 800 secondary school students from communities with the highest rates of emigration to the United States . The program is aimed at creating alternatives at home for young Mexicans who would otherwise likely follow the example of others in their communities and head for the United States [because they see more opportunity there than here.]
The innovative project involves students in Jalisco’s ten communities with the highest rate of emigration, including Ameca, Arandas, Atotonilco El Alto, Autlan de Navarro and Tequila. As the governor stated, ““Nobody leaves their family for the simple pleasure of leaving," [but to gain more opportunities for their families.]
The program, through the BBVA Bancomer Foundation, is part of the “Por los que se Quedan" project, with scholarships directed to high-achieving secundaria students in Jalisco. Participating students will receive 1,000 pesos a month for three years toward completing their education and paying their daily expenses.
The scholarships are also available in the states of Mexico , Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Morelos , San Luis Potosi , Puebla , Veracruz and Zacatecas. With the 690 scholarships available last year in Jalisco, the state government is now helping keep about 1,490 secundaria students in school.
During our Focus discussion about this article, we made statements such as, “I think it’s good! Everyone North of the Border knows there’s an issue with immigration." “This shows that Mexico is being proactive and helping kids get an education." “But the help is so small." “…you’re right…it is a drop in the bucket." “Yes, but it shows that Mexico is trying to do ‘something.’“
And, then, Kristina spoke up: “I see what you’re saying, but…for me, I see this as a way to show [that Mexico ] is doing something here and it may seem like a drop in the bucket—but education is not a drop in the bucket! It’s an investment in the future— Mexico ’s future. And this shows that Mexico is thinking ahead—no ‘ mañana mentality’ about that at all!"
Wow, now that’s passion about a country you have lived in for over 12 years and have grown to love! You go, Kristina! It was such an interesting debate and it’s such an innovative program being implemented in the Lake Chapala area that we wanted to share it and our thoughts with you.
We are not blind to the fact that this is a matter of considerable interest to not only America and Mexico , but also Canada , since Canada has been very active in some work programs pertaining to Mexico .According to articles in the Guadalajara Reporter, a ground-breaking, temporary worker pact between the Chapala municipal government and a modular home manufacturing outfit based in Barrhead , Alberta , means jobs for some Lakeside residents and help for the Canadian province’s current labor shortage.
In June, seven women and 46 men made up the first group of local workers taking up residence in Alberta , for the next two years to build modular homes for BarrCana Inc. The company plans to employ more than 300 lakeside-area natives to beef up its workforce. This is another innovative program that seems to be working well, and reinforces the idea that Mexico is trying hard to solve the challenge of illegal immigration.
We’re also glad that the country of Mexico recognizes this is a challenge…that they’re losing some of their best people to promises from north of the border…promises that don’t always materialize.
And, as for our very own Lake Chapala , Mexico , we don’t seem to have the same issues here. As one web site puts it, “the rich cultural experience here is not hampered by all the challenges going on in the northern border cites. Here in the Ajijic and Chapala area, many Mexicans are better off than in other parts of the country because of all the work provided by the thousands of foreigners who live in the area: construction workers, maids, gardeners, pool caretakers, restaurant owners, shopkeepers catering to foreign tastes, Spanish teachers, and others benefit financially from our being here. Recently a taxi driver said that this area is sheltered from the travails of the rest of the country by the presence of expats. North Americans are welcomed wholeheartedly by the Mexican community here." Now you know why some people refer to Lake Chapala as the “Oasis of Mexico 's Retirement Destinations."
And, as our own Focus on Mexico site so aptly puts it, you can see that the Ajijic area is definitely a place where people come for the climate and stay because of the people!
When you come on a program, you will soon realize that our whole team at Focus on Mexico is passionate about Mexico and this area of Lake Chapala … a piece of paradise that we feel blessed to call home. We definitely want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. It may sound corny to those of you who don’t know us personally, but we’re deeply committed to ensuring everyone who joins us in on a Focus on Mexico program thoroughly enjoys the experience. Our goal has always been to inspire (through words and actions) and to educate our participants so that more people become aware of the real Mexico and through our Focus On Mexico 8-Day Educational Programs, gain not just information, but knowledge in order to answer the questions, “Is Mexico right for me?" “Will this be the place where I can spend my retirement years?"
I’m so glad that Mexico is trying hard to become ‘part of the solution’ especially in our state of Jalisco. It makes me very proud.
Karen McConnaughey: Operations Manager for FocusOnMexico. Focus offers 8-Day Educational Tours to Lake Chapala, Mexico. Expert speakers on: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy & more... You get everything you need to decide if Lake Chapala is right for you, plus lots of fun in the process.
Resources:
www.focusonmexico.com
Guadalajara Reporter Aug08
By Karen McConnaughey
( Operations Manager for FocusOnMexico.com)
Article submitted Friday, September 05, 2008
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