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Lázaro Cárdenas Elementary, Grades 4, 5, and 6 This is the second year Journey North visits this school. In México, they are undergoing structural reform in Public Education. The State intend that schools should have computers and English subjects as part of their curriculum. This will be a long process and should take time (still a few years to be implemented, perhaps). In a few of these public schools in small villages, children already attend computers classes, however, without internet connection. Schools would not be able to afford the cost of internet connection with their own financial resources, and the government might not provide budget enough for it. Power service in homes and schools, and recently, cell phone service for calls and messages are the latest means of services and communication in all the villages surrounding both Sanctuaries. On the way up to Rosario, one has to drive through Ocampo, neighbouring town to Angangueo. As one drives along, one can see a little chaotic system of hoses coming down from the Mountains of El Rosario. These provide spring water from the mountains to Ocampo town. Angangueo, and Ocampo town in the valley, depend on their wáter provision from the water springs and wells of El Rosario and Sierra Chincua. Most children walk to school in these communities surrounding El Rosario Sanctuary. Occasionally one of them rides a horse or bicycle. Children recognize Rocinante along the road.
The school welcomes Journey North, as it is the second time we visit! The ones in class, knowing there is a visitor coming, sweep the classroom immediately for the honorable guests... the Symbolic Monarchs are here! A review on Monarchs' life cycle is very good to do. We spent such a long time on this talk! They were fascinated to hear about the migration reasons for them to overwinter in México! They simply love to write about their region, find it fun to go over the local fauna and flora inhabiting our region. Finally, they decorate their letters hoping their Friends in the North will like them. Group photo! Lots of excitment to know that Canadian and North American children will get to know them through these very important photos! Children show off the books they received as gifts.They show us the old school room made of wood. Most likely their parents and grandparents used to attend a school room like this, but only for learning to read and write a little bit. Hardly a teacher would dare to go there to teach; the state would pay little. Rocky and irregular roads for donkeys and horses was the only connections to Angangueo town, where bigger schools were, so, conditions were hard for someone wanting to learn more than to read and to write a little bit. Nowadays, in this communities, all families have a gas stove, a televisión, a cell phone, and a car at the door. Children in the family learn to drive, and all have got relatives working in big cities in México and many in United States. Their perspective of life, though not very advantageous regarding Education options, are far from being so hard regarding survival choices for a family. Monarchs, agriculture and local commerce mean a living to every family. Break time, a delicious snack “chicharron” (flour snack with sauce on) is always welcome. Playing the “Trompo” a very old traditional game and foot ball for boys is typical. Again, as said before, girls move less and keep talking to each other. On the way back through the village I see a couple coming from picking up wood-sticks for home. Cooking and warming the house with it is still part of the home life for all families. Butterflies Received Spring Hill Elementary, Fayetteville, GA
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