Upcoming trip to Chiapas

[Tom at MTI]

My wife and I were last in in San Cristobal in 1969, I suspect that it has changed some since then!  It looks like we will finally be returning this fall, in the first weeks of December.  I'll be bringing a group of retired school teachers for a visit.  They like visiting schools and are open to see various programs while there, if something could be arranged.  I'd appreciate any advice or help.
Thanks,
Tom Carter 

[Pedrocafe]

Hi Tom,

Yea, there have been a few changes!  Actually, you will have a hard time believing it!

It sounds as if you and your group might be perfect candidates for one of our "specialty" delegations.  This means that we would work with you and your group to organize exactly the visit you want. Check out our web page in the travel section  (http://www.schoolsforchiapas.org/english/chiapas-travel/specialty-trips.html)  You'll also find a list of our upcoming "regular"delegations and be sure to take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (IMPORTANT).  They will tell you a lot about what to expect.  If you think you might want to work with us to organize a special trip, let us know more about what it is your group would like to see or do and what dates you have in mind.

Look forward to meeting you.

Libby

ps.  What's MTI?

[Tom at MTI]

Wow-  great timing!  I just got a note that some of my group members have been looking at some tour guide deal in Chiapas.  Doing something with Schools for Chiapas sounds a lot more interesting and useful.  Thanks a lot.
I'm a very low level volunteer with Medical Teams International (MTI) which used to be North West Medical Teams.  Since I retired from a medical laboratory career I have been edging into a new field of public health and sanitation.  I'm helping them with training and educational materials, especially in Latin America.  So if any tours could include some latrines that would be great!
I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru in the early 60's, and after a stretch in Vietnam as a combat medic I spent several months with my wife decompressing in Mexico, including a really nice stay in San Cristobal.  It is going to be very special to return.
Thanks,
Tom Carter 

[Pedrocafe]

Dear Tom,

Usually we need at least six participants to make a speciality trip economical; and it is best to give us a few months notice to set everything up on the ground.

The first questions have to do with how rustic and how intense an experience your group is seeking.  There are five star PLUS hotels and there are very isolated indigenous communities where we can stay~ this is a significant financial issue also.  Another factor that affects the cost is that we can travel by public transportation or we can rent super-fancy safari type vehicles.  We'll need to know your exact numbers and dates.  Finally, we need to know about the group's interests and travel experience; do your people want to see churches and ruins, indigenous communities and rebels, meet social movements and academics, tour art museums and shopping, or seekout birds and jungle plants.
 
Of course we can mix up the various options as you wish.  We can continue our discussion here, or you may begin writing at info@schoolsforchiapas.org.

Hasta pronto,
Libby

[Tom at MTI]

There probably will be 15 -20 people, mostly retired school teachers etc.  A few are very well connected with various international aid agencies.  They will just be completing a service trip in Central Mexico and want to see Chiapas as a short vacation after their hard work.  They're pretty hardy travelers and I expect that they would enjoy visiting some indigenous communities and talking to people.  Most do not speak much Spanish.  They probably will want to stay in modest-moderate hotels during their visit.
I've started looking at your travel website and filling in info, and  I'll have another meeting with the group tomorrow and try and pin down their interests.
Thanks,
Tom

[Lupita]

Is there any way I could join the group?  I am a teacher and I would like to visit schools and talk with teachers to see if there is anyway I could help create bilingual curricula and educational materials.

[Tom at MTI]

We're a group that's doing a service project in Mexico City for a week, then spending a second week touring.  The group members are probably more interested in seeing ruins than talking about lesson plans.  I don't think any in our group have experience teaching in bilingual programs, but  this discussion group seems to have a number of people interested in teaching.
Tom

[Sue Bea]

Lupita,

Please check out the "regular" delegations.  We quite often sponsor delegations that are specifically (and more or less exclusively) focused on the Zapatista education system.  It may be that one of those delegations would better meet your needs.  However, also look at frequently asled questions about working in Zapatista schools. (http://www.schoolsforchiapas.org/english/chiapas-travel/travel-faq.html It's the last section toward the end of the page...)  When the Zapatista's talk about bi-lingual education they are talking about bilingual Spanish and the indigenous language of their students.  They are also rather passionate about the need for Indigenous people to create their own education system and instruct their children in a manner consistent with Indigenous values and culture....  Witnessing first hand how the schools operate is, however, absolutely an amazing and inspirational experience and we would be happy to recieve an application from you for any of our regular delegations.

Also, you might want to look at some of the other threads (or create one of your own) on the Teaching and Learning about Chiapas forum.  Some threads are more specifically focused on creating a space for educators and students to talk about relevant issues, such as the ones in which you seem to be interested!

Libby Navarro

[Tom at MTI]

Lupita-
In rereading my last post it seems a little short and sharp  and I apologise for the tone.  I  don't know the logistics of inviting others along on our tour, but if there is room and we could work out details, we would be happy to have a fellow teacher along. 
Also, the lady who also replied, Libby Navaro, has been extremely helpful to our group in planning our trip and I'm sure she could help you visit as well. 
Tom Carter

[Lupita]

Hello Libby.  Thank you for your kind response.  I received an email about a delegation traveling during the first week of June, however, I will not be able to make it.  I would be able to go during July and August, is there a possibility of me being able to visit then?

It is not my intention to impose any particular curriculum, educational materials, or teaching strategies but to offer my experience and resources to help develop bilingual curricula, educational materials, perhaps language assessments.  I understand that I am an outsider, however, I believe there might be a long-term project I may collaborate in.  Of course, those in charge would first have to know me, which is the purpose of what, I hope, will be the first of many trips.

Is there any way of me being able to tour schools, speak with teachers and administrators, and gain some first-hand knowledge of what the educational situation is?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Lupita]

Thank you also, Tom, for your kind response.  I appreciate very much that you are considering that I could "attach" myself to your group.  If I am able to arrange some visits to schools, I would then take off on my own, if it is possible, and then find my way back, also on my own.  I promise, in the meantime, not to talk about lesson plans, code-switching, or phonological transference.   

[Tom at MTI]

is "phonological transference" something that can be talked about in a public forum?  I'm sort of embarrassed!
Seriously, our group is really struggling with trying to decide what to see and what to leave out.  There are so many different places to go, some are really into archeology and want to spend the whole time exploring ruins.  Others would like to spend the time visiting villages and seeing the local culture. I'd love to see the jungle and the animals.  I think we'll have to work it out so that people can do different things, rather than the whole group doing the same thing.
Tom

[Libby Navarro]

Dear Lupita,

Warning!  Travelling to Chiapas can be quite habit forming!  There is so much to see and to learn here.... And, you are approaching the idea of a long term collaboration with exactly the right spirit! It would be our pleasure to welcome you on one (or more) of our delegations.

By all means, do check out the travel section of the web page... especially the upcoming trips part. http://www.schoolsforchiapas.org/english/chiapas-travel/delegations-and-tours.html  I am thinking that delegation #63. Zapatista Health and Education: Building systems to meet everyone's needs which happens from Sunday, August 5 to Saturday, August 11, 2007 might just work in your schedule. 

Actually, if you have a bit more time and want to learn more about Zapatisma and Indigenous life in Chiapas, signing on to both 63 and 64 would take you to both the highlands and the jungle regions... which are very different from one another but both very strong in terms of discussing their own relatively unique vision of education, health and agriculture.  The two zones would also provide exposure (and opportunity to talk and meet with) at least 3 of the 6 distinct ethnic groups.

Libby