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"The Incomplete Story of a Promotora: Her Self-Discovery, Trials, and Successes" Who are these infamous Los Niños promotoras? They've been an integral part of the organization for almost 20 years and serve as the direct link between Los Niños and the border communities of Tijuana and Mexicali. Read more here about these altruistic women and their grassroots mission to lift their communities out of poverty. "Roof Tiles and Soy Tacos: Los Ninos Classes in La Ladrillera PART I "
Fifty minutes outside the city of Mexicali lies La Ladrillera. Without paved roads and polluted by burning tire fumes, it is one of the poorest communities along the US - Mexico border. Learn how one very dedicated Los Niños volunteer is giving local women the tools to save money, improve their environment, and provide for their children. Click here. "Micro-Credit: Small Loans for Big Dreams"
Beginning with the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh in 1976, "micro-finance institutions," or MFIs, have been trying to combat poverty by giving women small, low-interest loans to start their own businesses. Their incredible success in Bangladesh has propeled MFIs and their small loans to global fame and is now considered an efficient tool for poverty eradication efforts worldwide. In fact, Muhammad Yunus, (founder of the Grameen Bank) and the Grameen Bank itself just recently won the Nobel Peace Prize! Los Niños has adapted its own micro-credit system and has, to date, helped over 60 women start and maintain small businesses. These businesses range from corner stores to the renting of traditional hand-made Mexican dresses. Read more about this unique Los Niños system here. What's New Check out the following news tidbits contributed by Los Niños Executive Director, Elisa Sabatini! Each has a unique connection with Los Niños and the expression of its benevolent ideals in the United States. * "Mavis Cain is again on the go, this time moving to northern California to be closer to her children. Mavis Mahan was born in San Francisco in 1922 to parents of Irish descent. She met Ace Cain on a ski trip. They married and moved to Southern California in 1951. The Cains raised seven children. They involved themselves in many issues in their community, nationally and abroad..." Read * "Nearly a decade ago, Beejal and Yogi Parmar came to the United States from England . Their family home, however, is Tanzania and they are of East Indian background. Arriving in San Diego, they immediately became involved in setting up business, connecting with community, and creating this as their home. Parents of two girls, Shivani and Kushani, they have encouraged their children to think of others and be open and willing to support other children..." Read Scoop On Service Learning *Have you been on a Service Learning trip? Find out here what brings a yearly average of 600 people to the border to work with Los Niños and Tijuana communities. *Want to be a year-long Los Niños VOLUNTEER and lead Service Learning groups through community service and cultural exchange activities? Contact Tim at 619-426-9110 for more information. *We welcome the addition of Mexicali as another Service Learning destination. The Los Niños Mexicali staff has successfully led a number of Service Learning groups in this border city two hours east of Tijuana. Activities include: making grass soccer fields for schools, visiting a promotora bee cooperative, and home stays with local families. Contact 619-426-9110 to find out more and book your trip now! Fundraising Opportunity! Your opinion matters to us! Would your Service Learning group be interested in using local Tijuana and Mexicali products in its fundraising efforts? Items including purses made of recycled materials, handpainted pillows and tablecloths, candles and candle holders, organic honey, and face creams made by Los Niños promotoras could be shipped to your school or church. In selling these products you'd be helping local women and their families while earning additional money for your trip! Please email info@losninosintl.org for more information. |
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