The Cozumel Chrysalis Group is a group of international volunteers dedicated to helping less fortunate students in Cozumel with the cost of education. Even though there are public schools here in Cozumel, the students must provide school uniforms, physical education uniforms, school shoes, tennis shoes and school supplies. This can present a financial hardship for many families.
School is only required up to sixth grade, which is when many students drop out. Unfortunately, english is only taught in the secondary and high schools. English provides the means to obtain a better job here in Mexico. What this means is that just as the opportunity for breaking a family´s cycle of poverty is available through education, students decide to quit school and begin to help support the family.
In the 2002-2003 academic year, Chrysalis supported over 200 students, providing all the essentials. As students begin to rely on this outside support, they see a better future and some real opportunities. This year, 2003-2004, Chrysalis is supporting a student at the university level, as she has been supported for many years and continues to be a star student. Without this support she may have dropped out long ago.
Chrysalis is a non-profit organization. The only overhead is a monthly fee to the accountant who keeps the paperwork up to date and legal. There are no salaries to pay and no offices. Meetings are held at a local cafe, supplies are stored at a volunteer´s home.
If you are interested in helping out, please see the website at:
http://geocities.com/smallsal/chrysalis
Donations can be dropped off at the minigolf.
Thank you,
Minigolf Sally
Cozumel Putting Course
