Tag Archives: Lifestyle
Salma Hayek: A Celebration of Excellence in Hollywood
By Brooke O’Connor
Who doesn’t like Salma Hayek? Her journey from Mexico’s vibrant streets to Hollywood’s glittering lights is not just a tale of triumph, but a testament to the tapestry of Mexican talent that has enriched the film world for decades.
Born on September 2, 1966, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, Hayek’s roots run deep in the heart of Mexican culture. Raised in a household steeped in tradition, she developed a passion for storytelling from an early age, immersing herself in the vibrant Mexican folklore and history that would later inspire her work on screen.
Salma’s family has been very supportive and gave her the opportunities she needed to be successful. Her father is Lebanese, a business owner, and a wealthy oil executive. Her mother is of Spanish descent, an opera singer, and a talent scout. Her parents are devout Catholics and sent Salma to the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. There, she was diagnosed with dyslexia, but it didn’t stop her from going on to Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, where she studied international relations.
Her foray into acting began in the bustling streets of CDMX, where she honed her craft in the theater scene before making her mark in Mexican telenovelas.
Hayek’s first television role was in the 1988 TV series Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn), for which she was nominated for the TVyNovelas award for Best New Actress. Hayek was 23 years old when Televisa cast her in the title role of Teresa (1989-91), one of Mexico’s most successful telenovelas, which established her as a star in the country. The show ran for two seasons and 125 episodes, and she won the 1990 Best New Actress award. With Teresa, she first captured the hearts of viewers with her talent and magnetism, setting the stage for a beautiful career in Hollywood.
Her transition to the United States in the early 1990s marked a pivotal moment in Salma Hayek’s career. Faced with a barrage of skepticism and discrimination due to her Mexican heritage and accent, Hayek encountered many obstacles on her path to success, including her dyslexia. Rather than allowing these challenges to hinder her progress, she confronted them head-on with unwavering determination and resilience.
Her breakthrough came with the 1995 action-packed thriller Desperado, where she captivated audiences with her fiery performance opposite Antonio Banderas. It was a role that showcased her formidable talent, shattered stereotypes, and challenged perceptions of Latinx actors in Hollywood. The people in Hollywood who said her accent would only land her roles as a maid were silenced.
Since then, Hayek has continued to push boundaries and defy expectations with each new project she undertakes. In 2003, she became one of the first Latinas to be nominated for Best Actress by the American film industry’s Academy Awards, the first Mexican actress to be nominated for Best Actress by the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television) awards; she was also nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes (the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which has a long history of awards to Latin actors).
Hayek garnered these nominations for her portrayal of the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the biographical drama Frida (2002), a crowning achievement in her illustrious career. Bringing Kahlo’s tumultuous life and indomitable spirit to the screen was no small feat, but Hayek approached the role with a fierce dedication and reverence for the artist’s legacy. Immersing herself in Kahlo’s world, Hayek captured the essence of the enigmatic painter. This authenticity resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. From Kahlo’s fiery passion to her unyielding resilience, Hayek embodied every facet of the artist’s complex personality with a rare grace and nuance. Not only did her performance earn her widespread acclaim, including the three award nominations, but she also served as a producer for the film.
From her iconic performance in Frida to her powerful roles in films like Traffic (2000) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), she has become a symbol of Mexican excellence in Hollywood. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and many other accolades.
Yet, despite her global success, Hayek remains deeply connected to her Mexican roots. Whether she’s showcasing Mexico’s vibrant colors and rhythms in her film productions or using her influence to support Mexican filmmakers and artists, she continues to be a proud ambassador for her homeland.
But perhaps her most significant contribution lies in her efforts to uplift marginalized voices in the industry. As an outspoken advocate for gender equality and diversity, she has used her platform to spotlight Mexican culture and heritage, ensuring that future generations of Latinx artists can share their stories with the world.
Salma Hayek’s philanthropic endeavors extend beyond the realm of cinema. Her charitable work includes raising awareness on issues such as violence against women and discrimination against immigrants. She is also a staunch advocate for the naturalness of breastfeeding and women’s rights to feed their children in public without restriction. In a powerful display of her commitment to these causes, Hayek testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act in 2005.
Additionally, she has made substantial financial contributions to organizations that combat domestic violence, including a $25,000 donation to a shelter for battered women in the town of her birth, Coatzacoalcos, and a $50,000 donation to anti-domestic violence groups in Monterrey. As a board member of V-Day, the charity founded by playwright Eve Ensler, Hayek continues to champion women’s and girls’ rights worldwide.
On top of being a champion for women, Salma has a soft spot for animals. She reportedly has up to 50 animals, including rescue dogs, horses, rabbits, geese, chickens, and an owl with whom she meditates daily.
Although Time magazine named Salma one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, many people criticize her for marrying a man who happens to be a billionaire. They have been married for 15 years and together for 18 years. In 2007, Salma, 41 years old, gave birth to a healthy daughter. Some people rumored it was an arranged marriage, but Salma has always defended their relationship, saying how much she dearly loves him. She has an uncanny way of letting criticism roll off her back.
Salma has always done things her way and has held on to beauty and grace while doing it. She has never taken herself too seriously while at the same time living life seriously. I’m reminded of her words, “People always underestimate me. But if you stick around long enough, act out of conviction, and try to be honorable in everything you do, good things will come to you.”
Carmen Aristegui: An Unyielding Force in Journalism
By Kary Vannice
There’s one woman every Mexican president since Felipe Calderón (2006-12) has feared, and that’s Carmen Aristegui, one of Mexico’s most influential and fearless journalists. Known for her sharp, tough demeanor and relentless investigative journalism, Aristegui has become a powerful voice against injustice, corruption, and attacks on press freedom in Mexico.
Aristegui’s 20-plus-year career is marked by an unwavering commitment to truth, transparency and accountability. She has worked in every facet of journalism, print, radio and television. Most notably, she anchored the news program Aristegui on CNN en Español and currently hosts a daily CNN podcast of the same name. In 2012, she started her own news website, Aristegui Noticias, a highly renowned news program in Mexico and Latin America, with a vast viewership of over 45 million people each month.
One of the most notable aspects of Aristegui’s career is her refusal to stay silent in the face of adversity. Shockingly, Mexico has the highest death rate of journalists in the world. When asked about this in an interview, Aristegui said, “It’s a disgrace that persists because it goes hand in hand with the impunity of a country without a justice system willing to punish those responsible. Few of the perpetrators have been prosecuted, which is almost an invitation to murder for those who feel threatened by journalism.”
During her acceptance speech in 2023 for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Grand Prize for Press Freedom, Aristegui stated: “Mexico is one step away from being considered a country with high restrictions on press freedom, significantly related to the ‘constant’ attacks by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador against the media, journalists, critics and other powers of the Republic.” She went on to say, “When a journalist is murdered, a person is murdered, a professional is murdered, but society’s right to be informed and to know what that journalist had to report is also murdered.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Carmen Aristegui has faced numerous challenges and has been a constant target for those who seek to silence her. Her fearless pursuit of truth and unwavering commitment to investigative journalism have made her a thorn in the side of those in power. Her illegal termination from MVS Radio in 2015, following her report on the conflict of interest concerning home purchases by then-President Enrique Peña Nieto, was a glaring example of the pressures she faced. The termination, widely regarded as an act of censorship, sparked outrage and widespread public protests that resulted in Aristegui’s reinstatement a few days later, but nonetheless drew attention to the vulnerability of journalists in Mexico who dared to expose corruption at the highest levels of government.
Aristegui’s resilience in the face of adversity became even more apparent as she endured not only censorship but also personal attacks and ridicule throughout her career. At the end of last year, she was once again at the center of the high-profile “Pegasus” spyware, used by the Mexican government for covert surveillance of Mexican citizens. She was called to give testimony about how she and her teenage son were allegedly spied on during the years Enrique Peña Nieto was in office.
Her sharp and critical reporting style, aimed at holding those in power accountable, has made her a lightning rod for criticism, yet Aristegui has weathered the storm with grace and determination, refusing to be deterred from her journalistic mission.
Despite the many attempts to undermine her credibility and silence her voice, Aristegui has emerged as a symbol of journalistic integrity and resilience. Her ability to persevere in the face of censorship and ridicule underscores the importance of a free press and the crucial role of journalists in holding the powerful accountable.
Editor’s Letter
By Jane Bauer
“Identity is never singular but is multiply constructed across intersecting and antagonistic discourses, practices and positions.”
Stuart Hall
Who are you? What is the first trait you think of to describe yourself?
Is it your gender?
Is it your nationality?
Your race?
Perhaps a description of the kind of person you view yourself to be?
Tensions feel high lately. Not only in the world we see through our phones and television, but in real life. The conflicts across the world remain a safe distance away, beyond our ability to affect change, other than voicing our outrage and hoping we fall on the right side of history.
There are tensions closer to home, things we can do something about. On the outer edges are the migrants, avoiding the immigration officials as they move towards the unknown. Inside our bubble we cling to our opinions about the situation- no, not just the situation- we cling to our opinions about the people- how we imagine them to be, where we imagine they have come from and where they are going.
On the inner edge we have tensions between the outsiders: the travelers, tourists, digital nomads, snowbirds, expats and gringos versus the locals, nationals, long-term residents, the “Mexico experts,” who are pushing back. Blame for everything that seems to be going wrong is thrown around like a tennis ball or maybe I should say like a pickelball.
Last year I was sitting at my favorite sushi haunt in Terminal 2 of CDMX when the man on the stool beside me attempted to engage me in conversation. I am not the kind of traveler who enjoys idle chitchat with strangers. He was undeterred and proceeded to tell me with a hint of pride that he had been living in Oaxaca City for the past eight years.
‘That’s nice,” I responded out of politeness.
“Where do you live?” he persisted.
“On the coast.”
“How long have you been there?”
“Twenty-six years,” I said turning back to enjoy my unagi.
“Oh. You win I guess,” he said.
“It’s not a contest,” I replied.
People are always having conversations like these, asserting their identity and experience to justify their entitlements and points of view. But who are you really? Take away the cloak of where you happened to be born, where you live, your job, your religion, your gender, the amount of stuff you have collected on your journey and the opinions you have formed, based on the information you have. When you strip those things away, what are you really entitled to, that someone else isn’t?
Aren’t we all just minnows in a school of fish moving through the water on the momentum of each other?
March is usually our Women’s Issue. However, in the spirit of shedding our identities, rather than clinging to them so fiercely, I am calling this the ‘Achievement Issue’. Our writers have profiled people whose accomplishments are inspiring.
See you next month,
Jane
An Eye on 2024 Olympians
By Marcia Chaiken and Jan Chaiken
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, planned for July 28-August 11, will provide an opportunity to watch and cheer for 32 Mexican women at the top of their games. More than a few have been competing for decades and are determined to medal. They will be competing in 16 sports. Two Mexican teams in particular are worth attention – artistic swimming (with eight women) and gymnastics (also eight). Since Mexico has not taken home any medals in these team sports in past Olympics, a win would be especially meaningful and a cause for national celebration.
Swimmers
Although Mexico has never medaled in Olympic artistic swimming (aka synchronized swimming), the recent performance of the current team has raised high hopes. This is the first time since 1996 that the whole team qualified for the Olympics. The team won the gold medal in the Pan American games in Chile in 2023. And team member Itzamary Gonzalez along with her partner won a silver medal in the 2023 World Championship for their beautiful duet.
Other team members to watch in Paris who have previously medalled, albeit not in the Olympics, are 33-year-old Nuria Diosdado, one of the team captains, who has been performing since her early teens, and her award-winning duet partner Joana Betzabe Jiménez García, who is 30 years old.
Gymnasts
The Mexico Rhythmic Gymnastics Team will be appearing for the first time in the Paris Olympics. Members Julia Gutiérrez, Ana Flores, Kimberly Salazar, Adirem Tejeda, and Dalia Alcocer were overjoyed to win the silver medal at the 2023 Pan American games. Rhythmic Gymnastics (aka ribbon dancing) has been part of the Olympics since the Los Angeles games in 1984. The competition will be fierce, especially from the members of the teams from Eastern Europe – Russian gymnasts have garnered more medals in the sport than those of any other country. A medal for Mexico would not only be a first but miraculous. In the last Olympics, Israeli gymnast Linoy Ashram snatched the gold from the Russians – so it would not be impossible for the Mexican team to do the same.
A Sailor
A medal in sailing would also be a first for Mexican women. Sailor Elena Oetling Ramírez, a 31-year-old Olympian from Chapala, Jalisco, will be racing against the odds in the Laser Radial class, single-handedly piloting a light-weight single-masted dinghy – her specialty. She was named the top sailor in Mexico after competing in the 2020 World Cup regatta in Miami, but her showing in the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo was less than stellar and she wound up in 32nd place. Honing her skills in the following years in the yacht club in Puerto Vallarta, she finished in 6th place in the 2023 Pan American Games. In Paris, she’ll be competing against sailors from Great Britain and Australia who have garnered multiple Olympic medals in this water sport, and against women from China and the Netherlands, both of whom have earned more than one Olympic medal. But stay tuned to watch Ramírez in the Mediterranean waters off Marseille battle to best her own 6th place showing and wind up on the podium.
The rest of the sports in which Mexicanas are competing (archery, athletics [running], cycling, diving, … taekwondo) are events in which Mexico has taken home medals in past Olympics, so expectations are high that the Mexicana Olympians will once again be on the podium.
Archers
The Mexico Women’s Archery Team solidified their place at the Paris games by earning the bronze medal in the World Games in Berlin last August. The team of Aída Román, Alejandra Valencia, and Ángela Ruiz also won the gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador in 2023. Based on the number of medals won in past Olympics, Mexico ranks 20th in archery. The “three As” team faces heavy competition, but with the formerly unbeatable South Korean team showing recent signs of weakness, a door may be opening to the podium for these Mexicana archers.
They also have a chance of medaling in the individual competitions. Valencia, age 29, who has already won an Olympic bronze, is likely to be on the podium again. Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Alejandra was an all-around athlete beginning at an early age. She began learning archery at age 9 and has won numerous medals in competitions all over the world, including three golds at the Pan American games and a silver in the 2023 Berlin games (at which her team took the bronze). She also holds a degree in graphic design from the University of Sonora.
Aida and Angela also should not be underestimated. At age 35, this will be Aida’s 5th appearance at the Summer Games, with one silver medal achieved in London in 2012. Born in Mexico City and married with four children, she brings experience and stability to the team and hopefully greater concentration to her game than in some of her past Olympic competitions. At age 17, Angela is just emerging as an archer to be taken seriously. She too started recurve (a form of bow) archery at age 9, in her case in Saltillo. Her first international competitions were not stellar, but she seems to be improving in every match and may reach the top of her game in Paris.
Athletes – Running
The runner Citlali Cristian Moscote was first Mexican athlete to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. Over a year ago, in February 2023, Moscote completed her qualifying run in the Seville (Spain) Marathon, placing fourth in a time only two previous Mexicanas have bested. At age 28, Moscote has been on track to run in the 2024 Olympics for years, placing 6th in the 2019 Summer FISU (International University
Sports Federation) World University Games half-marathon in Naples, Italy; winning the Mexico City half-marathon in 2021; and placing in the top ten in 2022 in the marathon in Eugene, Oregon, in competition with some of the best runners in the world. In the 2023 Pan American Games, Moscote’s marathon pace took home the gold. Moscote was born in San Juan de Lagos, Jalisco, but was primarily educated in Guadalajara. She matriculated at the University of Guadalajara, where she studied marketing and was recognized as a leading runner in competitions for the University.
Divers
We first introduced readers of The Eye to Mexicana divers in an article in the June 2018 issue. We described Paola Espinosa Sánchez from La Paz, South Baja California, and her bronze-medal-winning performance in 2008 in Beijing for the synchronized platform event. This was the first-ever medal for Mexico’s women’s diving team. We also introduced Alejandra Orozco Lorza, now 26 years old, from Guadalajara, Paola’s partner in London in 2012 and their silver-winning duo in the same event. Alejandra will be in Paris after placing 6th in the 2023 World Championships in the individual 10-meter platform event. Her partner, 23-year-old Gabriela Agundez from La Paz, won an individual silver medal in the Tokyo Games and, with Orozco, a bronze in Tokyo for synchronized diving, so it would not be surprising to see both women on the podium in Paris.
We would be remiss to remind our readers that there are women at the top of their games who were not selected to compete in the Olympics due more to the complicated qualification procedures than their lack of expertise. Another award-winning Mexicana diving duo is Paola Pineda, 23, a student at the University of Texas from Guanajuato, and Arantxa Chávez, 32, also from Guanajuato and a Mexican Army athlete. They proudly received the gold medal for their 3-meter springboard synchronized performance at the 2023 Pan American Games as well as individual medals. At the very top of their game, they are sheer perfection to watch – so they will be missed in Paris. And the Mexicana soccer team also won the gold in the 2023 Games in Chile but, given the Eurocentric rules, did not qualify for Paris in 2023. But stand proud for those wonderful women who did make it through the selection process for Paris. Enjoy the Olympic Games and cheer loud enough to be heard anywhere in Mexico.
Navigating Progress: A New Highway to the Coast of Oaxaca
By Randy Jackson
On February 4, 2024, the inauguration of an essential transportation artery for the Oaxaca Coast, including Huatulco, marked a significant milestone in the development of the coast of Oaxaca. La Autopista Barranca Larga-Ventanilla is a toll highway, linking Oaxaca City to the coastal road near Puerto Escondido, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Huatulco. This highway is expected to reduce travel time from Huatulco to Oaxaca City by approximately four hours and it will integrate the Oaxaca Coast into Mexico’s toll road system.
The construction of this highway over the course of 20 years has faced many challenges. The project was initiated under President Ernesto Zedillo in 1999. However, construction progress experienced numerous interruptions across subsequent presidential terms, spanning administrations from Vicente Fox to Felipe Calderón and Peña Nieto, before its inauguration by the current President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). on February 4th.
The road isn’t quite finished, but it is in use. One taxi driver I spoke to drove the route the day before inauguration, and the trip to Oaxaca City took 5 hours from Huatulco. The highway is very similar to the road between the airport and Huatulco, two lanes with wide shoulders. It is a toll road but the government has announced it would be toll free for the first year. Some of the final work on the highway includes construction of the toll booths and highway connections to communities along its route.
The Use of Roadblocks
Amid the bevy of news reports announcing the inauguration of this highway were reports of two illegal blockades within 24 hours of the highway opening. One was set up by some members of the municipality of San Jerónimo Coatlán demanding an audit of their former administrator and current municipal president. Another blockade was by the municipality of San Pablo Coatlán, demanding payment for their lands and claiming they would charge a toll themselves.
Anyone familiar with driving on Oaxaca highways is aware of the issue of roadblocks. Highway blockades are an effective tool for municipalities in getting the attention of the state or federal authorities. The setting up of roadblocks within a day of the new highway’s inauguration serves as a troubling sign for users of this highway, although it should be noted that most Oaxacan roadblocks are typically short-term, allowing vehicles to pass through after a few hours. Some however, have been in place for much longer.
Roadblocks had been a major source of construction delays for this highway. Notably, one agrarian dispute between two communities which held up progress for over a year. This community dispute has resulted in up to 28 fatalities since 2008, according to Imparcial News. The expropriation of 13 kilometers of land for the new highway through these communities exacerbated tensions. The deployment of blockades to obstruct construction thrust this conflict into the limelight, capturing the attention of authorities and the wider Mexican public.
The Two Disputing Communities
Situated approximately 95 kilometers south of Oaxaca City, the two communities of Villa Sola de Vega (population 12,350) and San Vicente Coatlán (population 3,512) are both municipalities. In Mexico, municipalities represent the third tier of government, positioned below the Federal and State levels. Villa Sola de Vega spans an area of 680 square kilometers and encompasses 138 villages. San Vicente Coatlán covers an area of 105 square kilometers and includes 8 villages within its jurisdiction.
The communities’ dispute over the ownership of 19,600 hectares of land dates back to 1976. In 2006, The Tribunal Unitario Agrario 21 de Oaxaca (Unitary agrarian court of Oaxaca) ruled in favor of the municipality Villa Sola de Vega. San Vicente Coatlán disputed this, citing a presidential decree in 1754 allocating the land to them. This ruling by the agrarian court resulted in numerous acts of violence between the communities over the years, including the wounding of a state policeman in 2017.
Following AMLO’s election in 2018, he unveiled plans to prioritize the completion of the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway as part of his infrastructure agenda. In 2021, he personally visited these two communities, pledging to facilitate dialogue to address the conflict and expedite highway construction. However, by September 2022, the municipality of San Vicente Coatlán announced a blockade of the construction, citing perceived lack of progress toward resolution.
In January 2023, AMLO announced that his administration was in consultation with the two communities, and if a resolution could not be found within one month, an alternate highway route would be used avoiding the lands of these two municipalities altogether.
An agreement was made shortly thereafter and the construction of the highway was completed. The two communities each received 50% of the disputed lands and the Municipality of Villa Sola de Vega was to receive a gas station, a tourist inn, a communal property office, and a water and sewage treatment plant. This settlement demonstrates the effectiveness of blockades, and marks progress for these two communities.
The Road Beyond Inauguration
Although potential roadblocks and more construction delays may haunt this new highway for a time, the significance of this transportation infrastructure looks to be a game changer for Huatulco and the Oaxaca Coast. It promises economic benefits from more efficient transport of goods as well as more tourists, likely many more tourists. The increase in tourism is expected to bring more investments and jobs to Huatulco and the Oaxaca Coast.
New investments and jobs can be stymied, however, without further investments in service infrastructure, potable water and expanded sewage handling in particular. These services are at capacity in Huatulco, and exceeding capacities in Puerto Escondido. For nine years Puerto Escondido has been pumping raw sewage into the ocean, and their potable water system, like that of Huatulco, struggles to meet demand.
With the transition of Huatulco from FONATUR to the State of Oaxaca, any new service infrastructure will be the responsibility of the state. This may prove to be a test for the state government in their commitment to the development of the Oaxaca Coast. But for now at least, the road is open and Huatulqueños anxiously await future announcements of new service infrastructure to navigate further progress.
For contact or comment, email: box95jackson@gmail.com.
The Impressive Record of a Huatulco Charity
By Jamie McIntyre
The local non-profit Bacaanda Foundation was started modestly in 2008 by the Jarnryd family in Huatulco. “Bacaanda” is a Zapotec word meaning “dream” and this charity has turned dreams into reality for thousands of children, families and communities.
With registered charity status in USA, Canada and Mexico (where it is also known as El Sueño Zapoteco), the foundation now has the support of a generous and growing donor community. As a registered charity it can now issue a tax receipt in the currencies of all three countries, which allows donors to offset their cash or in-kind donation.
Bacaanda’s goal is to invest in education as the primary tool to pave the way for a better future for children in rural communities. Since 2013 it has invested more than 2.1 million USD to support delivery of quality education in rural communities across the Santa Maria Huatulco and Pochutla regions of Oaxaca. More than 85% of the funds raised have been invested directly into programs, with the remainder covering the costs of its small office in Tangolunda.
The early focus was its “Adopt a School Program”. With the generosity of its “adopters,” consisting of hundreds of donors and volunteers, and the support of CONAFE (Consejo Nacional de Fomento Educativo, the National Council for Promoting Education), the foundation has completed the new construction or refurbishment of schools and teachers’ quarters in over forty communities. In addition, two teacher training facilities were built in Santa Maria Huatulco and Pochutla, where young teachers receive their initial training and ongoing support.
While there remains a significant need for better schools and infrastructure in these regions, the Foundation recently made a strategic decision to target student achievement as its key measure of success. As a result, it has begun to transition away from a focus on construction and infrastructure projects to one on technology-enabled classroom learning.
With its experience working in isolated rural communities, where attracting and retaining good teachers is very difficult, the Foundation came to understand that technology-based learning is a critical component in achieving better student learning outcomes. Also, since few schools in rural Oaxaca go beyond 8th grade, it was important to find a way to accelerate learning for children enrolled in primary grades. This led to the creation of the Foundation’s “Intelligent Rural Schools Program (IRS).
This program currently includes 643 students in 52 schools – 36 schools connected to the internet and 16 offline schools that use iPads with preloaded interactive educational software. Internet connections are delivered via Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system.
Accelerating student learning in low-income countries
The question of how to meet the educational needs of children in low-income countries has been studied extensively. Perhaps the most interesting perspectives are those of return on investment (ROI) and cost-benefit analysis, which consider societal benefit as a key metric in deciding how to deliver effective education in these countries. A team of economists and policy analysts looked at “Improving Learning in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries” (Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, 14: 2023).
The authors of the report conclude that it is no longer a significant challenge to get children into primary schools in low-income countries with some countries now reporting virtually 100% enrollment. The problem is that despite increases in spending by as much as 80% to achieve this remarkable enrollment over the past two decades, there has been very little impact on student learning outcomes.
They conclude that the focus going forward must be on student learning and improving the efficiency of the education system and that by deploying just two (of 150 considered), low-cost and focused educational interventions, the system can reap dramatic returns in terms of student achievement as ratio of the costs incurred.
For example, the authors describe how one intervention, described as “teaching students at the right level, with the use of technology” can deliver up to $65.00 USD of social and economic benefit for every $1.00 USD spent.
This approach is at the core of Bacaanda Foundations’ “Intelligent Rural Schools” program. To confirm its efficacy, and with the support of Conafe, the Foundation is now able to compare grade-specific student learning outcomes in the IRS group to those of students who do not have access to the same technologies. Early results of these tests show significantly enhanced learning outcomes for the IRS students.
Cerro Clanes Magdalena – Bacaanda’s newest project
This story is playing out right now in the community of Cerro Clanes Magdalena, a very remote community (a 4-hour, very challenging drive from Huatulco) in the Pochutla region, where Zapotec is the predominant language spoken.
This is the largest Bacaanda Foundation project to date. Six classrooms and a teachers’ residence are being refurbished for 74 children and 5 CONAFE teachers assigned to the community. The classrooms will all be internet-connected by Starlink, and have iPad tablets loaded with learning software. The Foundation has already deployed its training staff to the community to train and coach the teachers on how to use the technology; monitoring and coaching the teachers will be an ongoing component of the program. The Foundation will be working with families and a school committee to ensure the project fits the community’s needs.
In late January, a small group of Foundation staff and donors visited Cerro Clanes to inaugurate the project. The group visited one of the newly refurbished classrooms, where 5th- and 6th-grade students were having their very first experience in a smart classroom. Each student had an internet-connected iPad; a Bacaanda technology trainer was leading their first on-line class, in which the lesson was being fed through the trainer’s iPad connected to a smart TV mounted in the front of the classroom. Parents and community members were crowded in the doorway and around the windows, clearly intrigued by what was happening in the classroom.
Bacaanda Foundation – looking forward
The Foundation’s Board of Directors has carefully considered its strategic direction going forward, which is to leverage the use of technology to improve teaching and student learning and to help build positive social dynamics in the communities that it serves. But the challenge remains daunting. Just in the two CONAFE districts of Santa María and Pochutla, where the Foundation has directed its efforts, there are 320 schools, with a total enrollment of 2,680 students.
Within its current resources, The Foundation has committed to focusing on a limited number of schools and communities, starting with roughly 60 schools in 30 communities – with the goal of achieving greater student learning impact in each community before growing beyond these numbers.
Bacaanda’s success going forward will be driven by the generosity and time of its supporters. The Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist its programs and fundraising efforts. In particular, Bacaanda is looking for volunteers with grant-writing experience in the US and Canada.
Contact us if you are interested in helping the Bacaanda Foundation as a donor, volunteer, or other kind of support. http://www.bacaandafoundation.org
Huatulco office (958-581-0536) bacaandafoundation@hotmail.com
Jamie McIntyre
President
Bacaanda Foundation Canada
February 2024
Editor’s Letter
By Jane Bauer
“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Mahatma Gandhi
What is love? This is something that humans have been asking for years. We seem torn as to whether to hold it up as the highest of emotions or as a frivolous undertaking.
Is ‘love’ what is depicted by grand gestures and romantic films? Or is it something that builds over time by the routine and comfort of a long marriage? If love is everything, why do we hesitate to accept it as a justifiable reason for turning your life upside down?
What if romantic love isn’t ‘the thing’ we are meant to aspire to, and we have gotten it wrong from too much Jane Austen and John Hughes? Romantic love as we know it only began to appear to be named in the 1500s- prior to that, relationships were mainly transactional for survival and to expand one’s wealth.
I recently started following an IG account about a German farmer who cuddles his chickens, goats, cows and sheep to a soundtrack of new age and classical tunes. It is very soothing- I can feel my nervous system relaxing as the animals nuzzle into him. What if love is what you transmit to each being you come into contact with? If that is the case what does your love look like?
Does it spread out freely in smiles to the person helping you in a store or bringing you coffee or cutting you off in traffic? The best advice I have gotten for getting annoyed with strangers has been to move through the world with the assumption that everyone is doing so with good intention. This has saved me countless grumpy moments.
If you are a regular reader you already know about my concern for the migrants that are crossing our paths. This morning there were about a hundred people of all ages and shades of skin. I rode past in the comfort of my car, on my way to a job I love and the very least I could do was allow love to flow out of me, to offer a water, to make eye contact. We often exchange ‘que dios te bendiga’ which I love, even though I don’t consider myself religious. Lately a few have responded with ‘te lo pago’ with their hands in prayer, this means they will pay it forward and my heart swells with gratitude at the love that can spread from acts of kindness.
Maybe love isn’t that complex. Perhaps it is as simple as seeing another and knowing there are no others.
See you next month,
Jane
How Puerto Escondido Is Redefining Design Trends: The Evolution of Real Estate
By Brent May
In recent years, Puerto Escondido has emerged as a rising design destination, captivating investors, architects, art patrons, visitors and design enthusiasts. Nestled on the Oaxaca Coast between the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Escondido is undergoing a remarkable transformation, showcasing innovative and forward-thinking designs that are redefining the local real estate market and beyond. From sustainable building practices to the integration of natural elements, Puerto Escondido is setting a new standard for architectural excellence. In this article, we will explore the evolution of real estate in Puerto Escondido and how it is influencing design trends.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
One of the defining characteristics of recent real estate projects in Puerto Escondido is the seamless fusion of traditional Mexican architecture, contemporary design elements and local materials. Architects and developers are embracing the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca and integrating it into their projects. Traditional techniques and materials, such as palapa roofs, handcrafted clay bricks, colorful tiles, and artisanal finishes, are combined with modern design aesthetics to create visually stunning yet low impact and minimalist buildings. This blend has nuanced the overall sense of place and authenticity in the real estate developments of Puerto Escondido.
Sustainable Building Practices
Puerto Escondido is at the forefront of sustainable building practices, with a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly design and construction techniques. Architects and developers are incorporating energy-efficient features, utilizing renewable materials, and implementing innovative water management systems. Buildings are designed to maximize natural ventilation and lighting, reducing the reliance on high energy cooling and lighting systems. Furthermore, sustainable landscaping practices are used, promoting native plant species and water-conserving techniques like gray water recycling and recuperation. These sustainable initiatives not only reduce the environmental impact of the real estate developments but also create healthier and more livable spaces for residents and visitors.
Integration of Natural Elements
The natural surroundings of Puerto Escondido serve as a constant source of inspiration for architects and designers. Real estate developments in the area integrate with the coastal landscapes, tropical vegetation, pristine beaches, and stunning ocean views. Open floor plans, expansive windows, and strategically placed outdoor living areas allow residents to “just be” in the natural beauty of the Oaxaca coast.
Infinity pools, rooftop gardens, and terraces provide uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and create a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural world. The integration of natural elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the properties but also creates a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Embracing Minimalism and Contemporary Design
In response to the demand for clean lines and simplicity, contemporary and minimalist design principles have found their place in Puerto Escondido’s real estate landscape. Architects are creating sleek, uncluttered spaces that prioritize functionality and emphasize the use of natural materials. The same minimalist design principles allow for greater airflow. Neutral color palettes, minimalist furnishings, and expansive views contribute to a sense of spaciousness and calmness. This design approach allows residents to focus on the beauty of the surroundings from the comfort of elegant interior spaces.
Living the Mexican Dream
Puerto Escondido is undergoing an important evolution in real estate design, redefining trends and setting new standards for environmental, social and economic sustainability. Through the fusion of tradition and modernity, minimalist and contemporary design, sustainable building practices and the integration of natural elements, this rising design destination is captivating investors, residents and visitors.
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