November 01, 2026
Last May, a team of Amigos’ volunteers went to Chocolá for the dual purpose of 1) Visiting our students and their families and keeping in touch with our high school graduates, many of whom are now in the local workforce; and 2) Learning of needs that students, schools and the village may have with which we may be of assistance.
The first goal was met when we first arrived in Chocolá as many of our current scholarship students and their families awaited our arrival with banners, decorations, food and loud cheering. Our graduating students were especially grateful for Amigos’ support through their school careers that will end in November 2026. These 8 students have a brighter future thanks to their achievement of finishing high school and preparing for life in the career of their choosing. Time and again, we heard from parents what a difference life is and will be for their students who are in school or are graduating this year. Their gratitude was overwhelming. It makes the work we do very rewarding and totally worthwhile.
While visiting 4 of our graduated students at their workplaces, we were heartened by their maturation and the ease of which we all conversed. Each one clearly seemed comfortable and capable of taking on the responsibilities of their new jobs. Two of them are auto mechanics, a skill in great demand since there are mostly vehicles that need repair in the village. One young man is now working in a family business that lends technical support to other businesses and produces novelty products. A young woman who graduated last year is now the manager of a school and stationery supply store. She is happy that the store is in the home of her grandmother and that she now earns money that supports her family.
While visiting the middle school (Basico) in Chocolá, we were impressed with the organization and discipline shown by the administration. With over 300 students now enrolled, there is precious little space for all of them to attend class at the same time. They benefit from the concrete recreation field (La Cancha) that Amigos funded, so that students have a place to attend Phys Ed classes outside. We were greeted with a dance ceremony complete with indigenous dress and music. Most of the students participated.
However, with a burgeoning student cohort, logistical challenges abound. Classroom space, computer lab space and, when it rains, outdoor space is at a premium. One of the requests for funding was to reconstruct the inadequate restrooms at the school. We agreed to fund half of the cost of the bathrooms while the school and parents agreed to fund the remainder, including the labor to build them. The work is now in progress while school is in recess until mid-January. Other projects have been requested but are on hold until more funds are raised.
Amigos currently sponsors 24 scholarships for students at the Basico in Chocolá. We plan to sponsor a like number of students in the coming (2027) school year.