Have you ever asked what you could do to help? Well that is exactly what a group of women from the Mount Pleasant, SC Water Aerobics class did and they took it a step forward and started a Scholarship Fund for some of the children in the Akumal Poblado.


These women have huge and generous hearts and started out by sending Lydia Pontius, documentary producer and CEA Webmaster, off on her trips with suitcases full of school supplies, toys and more, for CEA and the HeKaBe Library. When there was an attack and women and children were afraid, they sent whistles and flashlights. They also sent many collars and leashes for YARF clinics. On some trips Lydia had to take an extra suitcase.

The latest act of kindness has come in the form of scholarships for 2 young girls at the Akumal Pueblo School. The scholarship was conceptualized and Mauricio Bautista, who heads up CEA's Environmental Education Program, went to the Principal and asked that he identify a student or two who really needed financial help for their education and the supplies needed for school. The principal identified two girls, one in the 4th Grade

and another in Kindergarten,

both are named Magdalena. CEA drew up forms and the girl's parents and teachers signed them; agreeing that the money would go to educational supplies, clothes for school and food for lunch. Once a month, Mauricio delivers the money and he checks at that time, on the progress of each girl and reports back to the ladies. We will be periodically adding updates to this story so that folks can find out just what is happening with our scholarship recipients and what these and other generous folks are doing.

Next year, the plan is to use the scholarship money to help a student with good grades who cannot afford to continue his/her education. Education is significantly more expensive when the students get past the 6th grade. Oftentimes students travel by public bus to either Tulum or Puerto Aventuras to go to school, a trip that costs $3.00 US per day. On top of transportation, they are required to pay for all books, supplies, uniforms and food. Many students would greatly benefit from continuing their education, but their families cannot afford the expense.

It is with great pleasure to say that this idea has caught on and we have received additional funds through Bill-In-Tulsa's message board that will all be dedicated to the Scholarship Fund and the children of Akumal Poblado.

If you would like to find out more about the Scholarship continues for a second year.