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Otoch Paal (meaning “Children’s
House” in Mayan) Montessori Community Center of Akumal started its
fourth year of operation with a brand new, fourth classroom! The
school now has two preschool/kindergarten classrooms for children
ages 3-6 years, one classroom for children ages 20 months to 3 years,
and one classroom for language (English & Mayan) classes.
With financial assistance from the
Foothills Rotary Club of Fort Collins, Colorado and construction
management supplied by fellow Rotarians from the Playa Del Carmen
Rotary Club in Mexico, Otoch Paal was able to significantly
expand its early education services.
In late 2007 and early 2008, the
Foothills Rotary Club raised almost $35,000 in cash and pledges from
its club members for this project. With their financial assistance,
the fourth classroom has been added and is now being used so that
children in the preschool age group can work under less crowded
conditions.
The Foothills Rotary Club of Fort
Collins celebrated 30 years of existence in 2007 and to commemorate
that event, decided to find an international service project of its
own.
As a result of existing contacts that
two club members (Art Bavoso and Ron Rockvam) had in Mexico, a match
was found with fellow Rotarians in the Playa Del Carmen Rotary Club.
In 2007, Otoch Paal was serving
30 children in two classroom buildings. Their dream was to expand to
four classroom buildings, have a covered outdoor shaded play area,
serve 120 children, and become fully certified by the government.
Fulfilling their dream required the construction of two new classroom
buildings (which are now both completed), a covered “kiosk”
(multi-use area), and the renovation of the two existing buildings to
accommodate concrete roofs, rather than the existing palapa roofs
(which was one of the government requirements).
Thanks to the fundraising efforts and
generosity of the Foothills Rotary Club, Otoch Paal is one
step closer to achieving this dream!
Renovation work on the original two
existing classrooms is targeted for completion in April of 2009 but
more funds will be needed. Additionally, more Montessori learning
materials are needed in order to have duplicate materials for both of
the operating preschool classrooms.
Are you part of a Rotary Club that
wants to get involved? Contact Ron Rockvam of the Foothills Rotary
Club at: dvantage@msn.com
Are you associated with a Montessori
school that could donate used learning materials for the preschool
classroom? Contact Eleonor Bermudez Ferrer of Otoch Paal at:
leocancun@hotmail.com
Come visit Otoch Paal Montessori
Community Center in Akumal Pueblo! Otoch Paal welcomes visitors
who are interested in seeing how a Montessori Center operates.
Classes are in session from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Visitors are asked to come between 9 and 10:30 a.m.
How you can help. As a
non-profit, community-based, learning center, Otoch Paal does not
generate sufficient funds to pay for all necessary school
improvements. Monetary donations and donations in kind are always
welcome. Donations can be made directly at the school.
Or more information can be found at:
http://montessoriaroundtheworld.org/otoch.html
Directions: The school is
located near the back of Akumal Pueblo, on the Northern edge of the
town. It can be reached by following the Pueblo’s main street
(avenida) to the fourth block on the right hand side of the
street. After passing the secondary and kindergarten schools (which
are on the main street), turn right at the corner where the
kindergarten is located and continue to the next corner. Otoch Paal
is next to the kindergarten and the entrance is at the far corner,
near the town’s edge.
New preschool classroom at Akumal's
Montessori, under construction. From left to right are: Ron &
Janice Rockvam of the Foothills Rotary Club, Gabriel Briceño
of the Playa del Carmen Rotary Club, Mario Mogel, contractor, and
Eleonor Bermudez Ferrer of Otoch Paal Montessori.
Children using the new preschool
classroom at Otoch Paal.
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