pre-departure

Hello all! This summer I have accepted a position as an intern with the NGO AVSI (Association of Volunteers in International Service) at the Desarrollo Integral de la Juventud Oaxaqueña (DIJO), in Oaxaca, Mexico. DIJO is a community organization which serves hundreds of children and youth at five community centers located in different neighborhoods around Oaxaca City. They offer after-school recreational activities and programs to help the children get the most out of their studies or to catch up to the level that they should be at according to their age. The centers also offer programming relating to nutrition and small business building.

My job as an intern this summer will be to conduct program evaluation and demographics research- basically statistically analyze the after-school activities and programs to see which ones are most effective and why and also conduct surveys of the population that utilizes the programs to better understand who they are, what education they have, and what their most pressing needs are. When I'm not gathering and analyzing data I will be working at one of the centers planning and leading activities for the kids. From art to sports, the goal is to give the kids an opportunity to participate in organized activities to enrich their personal growth and development in a safe environment.

I had the opportunity to see many of you this weekend and was overwhelmed by the generosity of your donations to the program. When I asked you to bring supplies, I never imagined that you would take up the task so enthusiastically. I am truly stuck by your generosity. From the stickers to the coloring books, the jump ropes to the Frisbees, I'm sure the supplies will generate many smiles and happy afternoons full of arts and crafts and outdoor games. Thank you so much!

I leave for the internship June 1, and will continue blogging from there. Make sure to check back every now and then to see how your supplies are being used!