(EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Jimmie Ellis 222 1478

Since our last report, we have completed the delivery of all classroom supplies to the schools through the Adopt-a-School program, received approval for the proposed 2001-2002 budget and completed two small construction projects.

The Puerto Vallarta Department of Education is receiving, as expected, increased funding from all levels of Government for new school construction. Consequently we have refocused our efforts onto older schools in need of painting, roof repairs and/or replacement, schoolyard fencing, patios, etc.. In January 2002, we will restart the Classroom Program, which provides funding for small equipment & classroom supplies in the more impoverished areas of Puerto Vallarta. As the cost of small construction, equipment and supplies normally falls to the local Parents Association, our spending program directly benefits the whole community rather than the school alone. In many instances the Club’s financial support and, at times technical assistance, allows the parents to complete otherwise unaffordable projects. There is much financial need in many areas, as in the Puerto Vallarta district alone there are, from Kindergarten to University, some 220 schools and slightly more than 2000 teachers. On the North Shore, in the state of Nayarit, there remain many requirements for construction of washrooms, classrooms, small projects, etc. We intend to continue working in partnership with the local school associations there.

The Education Committee budget for the current year is $274,000 pesos. Our emphasis continues to be to support all aspects of education in our Community. Assuming sufficient funds are available, the major components are $150,000 pesos for the small school construction outlined above, $50,000 for the Classroom Program, $50,000 pesos as a donation to the Comité de Becas Vallarta scholarship program and $24,000 pesos for the Public Library.

The Becas program supports some 300 students who have a demonstrated economic need, demonstrate responsibility, are able to maintain a minimum point average of 8.5 out of 10.0 and live and attend a public school in the Puerto Vallarta area. The program has assisted thousands of Vallartenses by giving them the financial resources and encouragement to remain in school. The Club and its individual members have supported this invaluable program since the inception of the IFC.

The Public Library is supported by annual Government grants and by private donations. The Club was instrumental in funding the construction of the Library in the mid 90’s and has financially helped it through some difficult years. Last year, the Club donated $18,000 pesos, which allowed the Library to open a small cafeteria and bookstore which now contribute to the funding of the Library. This year the Club funding will be allocated for the purchase of books, CD’s and videos for use by the Library’s young users.

In late June, we supplied $1,000 pesos for the construction of a schoolyard patio at the Carmen Palafox Omela Kindergarten (outside of Pitillal) and $6,850 pesos for roof sealant at the Las Brisas Primary School. The public schools began re-opening in mid-August and we have recently received two requests for painting and a cement patio. We are looking at these projects with a view to complete them when the rainy season ends.

Yvonne Ward Tel: 22-80050 Fax: 22-80458

Email: Yvonneal@pvnet.com.mx

The door is open, the welcome mat is out!  We're anxiously waiting to greet one and all of our members, as those who've been away begin returning to the seashore and fun in the sun for the winter/spring months from October to June, or for as long as a vacation period allows.  It will be wonderful to see your smiling faces again. 

While you've been away certain activities continued throughout the summer months, as you have been reading here.  However, the big thrust of our efforts will begin with the first Board meeting on Monday, Nov. 12, (usually at 10 A.M.) and at the Members General Meeting, Tues., Nov. 13 (doors open at 6:45 PM, meeting at 7:30 PM).  Let's mark both on our calendars--you, of course, are welcome to join us at the Board meeting as an observer, or perhaps you might have a petition or suggestion.  Any ideas to enhance our Club charity work or fund raising activities or general member activities are always appreciated and can lead to a myriad of benefits for the community as well as the Club.  Speak out and join those who make time to participate in all that we do. 

It's never too late to join up--clip the membership application included here and pass the word along to your family members, friends, acquaintances and associates.  Notice membership can be achieved by mail.  We do accept checks.  The date your membership is paid as shown on your membership card will be your annual renewal date.  Memberships remain:  (Single Mbr. $200 pesos; Couple $300 pesos). We're counting on you--please be there for us and those that depend on us.

OUR WELCOMER MAT IS OUT FOR THESE NEWCOMERS TO THE IFC!

Come by the clubhouse or call us to let us know you're back in town.

Restaurant Program:  Note the restaurants offering meal discounts.  We have just added two more:  Los Arbolitos and The River Cafe.  (See RESTAURANT Box on pg. 7 for location and telephone number of each.) We are making it easy for you to solicit any restaurant you frequent--just ask Kirsten at the Club desk for a copy of the letter (in Spansh and English) explaining this program for members to the restaurant owner. In turn the owner is to give you a written letter on their stationery advising of the discount for IFC members. All we as members need to do is show them our membership card.  PICK UP A COPY OF THE LETTER THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN THE CLUBHOUSE!  This program benefits everyone.