What We Do

Santa Maria del Mexicano helps children in need become productive citizens of society.

Father Norman accomplished miracles during his years at the youth home, but he was quick to point out that he could not have done it alone.

Major projects that have been accomplished include the installation of water filtration and chlorination systems, an irrigation system for the monastery gardens, the reconstruction of kitchens at Santa Maria and Casa de Niños, and the reconstruction of dormitories, bathrooms, and classrooms.

Volunteer Efforts

Scores of volunteers from the U.S. have supported the work at Santa Maria over the years. Volunteers come as individuals and in groups. Rotary clubs from the U.S. and Mexico and the Rotary Foundation have been instrumental in the completion of numerous projects.

Volunteers always seem to leave with a deep sense of personal satisfaction, knowing that they have made a difference in the lives of children. Some have visited eight, ten, or even twenty times. Others come thinking they will stay for just a few months and end up staying the whole year.

Fundraising Efforts

Thanks to the donations of so many individuals, institutions and organizations, poor and abandoned children are now being offered opportunities that no child should be denied: the love, spiritual formation, security, discipline, and education that build successful adults.

Convent Housing at Santa Maria del Mexicano

Housing for Sisters

The sisters who serve the children at Santa Maria did not have proper housing where they could gather together, pray, and take time to rest.

This housing unit, with individual rooms for all of the sisters, was built over a period of several years. Now it provides them with tranquil living quarters and a place where they can welcome guests as well.

Science & Computer Labs

A chemistry and biology lab provide the students with hands-on experience. Computer labs assure that the students are ready for today’s world with basic computer skills and provides them the opportunity to continue their studies with on-line high school classes taught by professors in Mexico City.

Library

With the help of Rotary Clubs in Mexico and the U.S., a library has been built and stocked with reference materials and books that allow the students to learn about science, history, sociology, classical literature and other important subjects.

Waste Water Systems

Before 1989, the children were constantly becoming ill form an unsanitary water supply. Volunteers from Colorado installed chlorination systems, sealed up the spring water collection system and eliminated the waste that was contaminating the water supply.

In recent years, a waste water collection and distribution system has been installed with the help of Engineers Without Borders, Carroll College, and U.S. and Mexican Rotary clubs.

Classrooms

A school and dormitory to house up to 80 young boys from 5 to 11 years of age was constructed with the help of the Mannelly Family and funding from a number of our HFC benefactors.

In addition, classrooms with good lighting were built within the walls of the old monastery. These classrooms are used to educate the junior high students.

Sustainability for the Future

Rabbits, greenhouse-gardens and spices. Sustainability is key to Santa Maria’s long-term success. Working on these agricultural projects teaches children valuable skills and also provides a source of income for college scholarships.

Hope for Children, a local foundation, Rotary Clubs, Engineers Without Borders, and Carroll College are collaborating on creating a sustainable agricultural production system.

Educational Funding

We currently fund a computer teacher/technology coordinator and supply materials used for teaching.

An agriculture specialist sponsored by Hope for Children will be part of the staff required to continue the agricultural efforts which have been started.