Class is in session

Valley Catholic students learn about Mexican project to create sustainable and poverty-free futures for kids

By Ray Pitz

The Beaverton Valley Times, May 15, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Also, up to 40 of the street children spend the night in the school’s dormitory.

“Some of our kids live in very horrific conditions,” said Martin. “Some of these kids walk miles just to come to school.”

At the moment, additional classrooms are under construction and hopes are to build a library as well, she said.

“It doesn’t take much – $30,000 – to build a kindergarten,” she said. “That’s what it costs for a car (in America).”

In an effort to help out the Mexican school, Valley Catholic students have been engaged in a “Pennies for Pesos” campaign to raise money.

Also planned for Sept. 19 is a wine tasting and silent auction fundraiser to benefit the Netza School.

Martin said numerous youth and teacher groups have visited the school over the last three years, something that proves life-altering for all those involved.

She said when she returns in September, it’s possible that Valley Catholic students may want to plan a trip to visit the school.

During her visit, Martin also served as a guest teacher in two Valley Catholic Spanish III classes (sharing with students words from the Aztec language) and teaching two social justice classes.

Martin said she was impressed with the students she met at the school.

“The war to end poverty, discrimination and ignorance seems like a huge battlefield at times,” said Martin. “However, I left the school feeling great hope for the word, which I saw expressed in the enthusiasm and from the truly thoughtful questions and comments of the students.”

For more information, e-mail info@netzaproject.org.

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