The School for Special Children (aka School for the Deaf) and five other Jocotepec schools suffered significant losses last week. The day after parents paid the enrollment fees, robberies occurred at all of the schools. The thieves snatched 23,000 pesos at the School for Special Children, along with a camera and cellphone. School officials report that these funds were earmarked for the payment of insurance on the school’s new van, the monthly phone bills, small repairs and special events.
Compounding the schools’ problems was a second robbery, during which 10,000 pesos was taken from the Riberas del Pilar store that help support three lakeside charities: the School for Special Children, the educational programs of the Lake Chapala Society and Have Hammers Will Travel. Although the school was closed for renovations, customers had continued to shop, buying most of the current inventory for a total of about 6,000 pesos. These losses have created serious implications for all three charities.
“The loss of funds is devastating, especially at this critical time,” said Mary-Dale Wilson, the School for Special Children board president. “It is just heart-breaking, but now we must find other sources to fund these important expenses. The school’s board needs the help of community members who can assist us with finances, ideas, donated labor or items.”
In addition to the serious implications caused by the thefts, existing funds at the School for Special Children have been stretched to include a 30 percent increase in school enrollment this term. Nearly 80 students, ranging in age from six months to 32 years now receive instruction at the Jocotepec facility. To resolve some of the overflow problems, class sizes have been increased and the school counselor and baby sitter have been recruited to teach classes.