In late August of 2009 Comunidad para Baja California had its annual health fair in Ensenada, Mexico. Comunidad para Baja California is a Los Gatos based non-profit which brings health and educational services to the indigenous communities of Baja California. I was able to work with this great non-profit once more.
This years health fair was held at a historical building in Ensenada, Mexico. The old fort has served as a military base, a prison and now it functions as a museum and cultural art site.The health fair was set up in stations so that all the children were ensured full benefits.
The children had to participate in a series of services. These services were set up as individual stations run by volunteers. These stations covered Comunidad para Baja California’s core principles; health and education.
Only once the children completed at least three stations were they able to collect their scholarship money. These stations included blood pressure and diabetes testing, eye examinations, drug and alcohol abuse classes, sexual educational classes, a writing station, and a portrait station.
The government of Mexico only provides children with education up to the sixth grade. After that they are expected to continue their education privately. The vast majority cannot afford to pay for education so they go into work or become unemployed.
Through donations and volunteers Comunidad para Baja California provides indigenous children education and health possibilities they would not have otherwise.
(Thanks to Andy Hall for the great shot of me at work)
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