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Daniele, Margarita, Gerardo, Daniela, Raquel, Andrea, Paulino, and Roxanne at their home in Tierra Negra, Oaxaca, Mexico 
Their address:David Luis Hernandez Calle Principal Rincon Moreno (Tehuantepec) Oaxaca, Mexico |
Paulino is a farmer who enjoys spending his free time lounging in a hammock, nursing juicy watermelon and chomping on tasty chapulines, or fried crickets. He often spends Sundays with his wife, six children, and their countless animals. They live in Tierra Negra, a small farming community of 13 families on the outskirts of Tehuantepec, southeast of Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Paulino and his friend David were quick to offer their hospitality, handing me a huge slice of watermelon and a seat in the shade. Paulino's five-year old daughter Daniela was also quick to share, however I could not accept her offer. Her face may have been porcelain pink and her smile a ray of sunshine, but her little hand was filled with enormous chapulines! "This one's for you," she said while gesturing for me to take one. I thanked her but politely declined. She had quite a chuckle and was curious to discover that I didn't eat them on a daily basis. Then we spoke of the reality they are living today. Paulino's six children go to the local public school. The government treats their school differently than others. Each student receives one pencil and one notebook at the beginning of each school year. Itsel, a local primary school teacher, stated "we are limited as teachers in what we can offer our students. When they lose their pencil, we don't have an extra. Any school supplies or art materials that can be sent would be most appreciated." If anyone reading this would like to share their pencils and notepads with some young students down in Oaxaca, they will be very happy to receive them. I recently sent some and they are already being used in the school! Through education and creativity, we are designing a better world. |