Our Successful Albeit Short History
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There are no publicly funded schools for deaf children in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. If the parent of a deaf child wishes to send their child to school they have no option but to send them to languish, virtually untaught, in a public school classroom with hearing students and with no special instruction whatsoever.
EEESMA opened its doors on September 3, 2012 to assist these children. A group of seven dedicated local residents and professionals, who had a special interest in helping deaf students in the community, came together to form the board of trustees, have the non-profit society registered, rent and renovate suitable premises, hire three Mexican teachers and reach out into the community to bring deaf Mexican youngsters together to improve their standard of education. |
In 2019, for the first time, three young women completed their on-line high school classes. This is a huge milestone for EEESMA and offers, first hand, role models to other young people who are Deaf. They witness their fellow students' success and are inspired by it, working hard to achieve that same success, and perhaps even more.
We know there are many more deaf children in the San Miguel community who deserve the opportunity of an education; we continue to search for ways to bring them to this special school. Families of the students, when they can, contribute a small amount toward the school's operation however the majority of funds are received through grants, donations and fundraising. Your support would be greatly appreciated. "Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." -Malcolm Forbes |
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MEET OUR TEAM
Our dedicated faculty, staff and vibrant volunteers are the heart of the school.
SANJUANA GARCIA SALGADO
Sanjuana joined us in 2012 as the school's first teacher and is now the school director. She shares, “Having spent a large part of my life working here fills me with pride, knowing that I have been part of the progress of our students and the school.“ When she's not directing, Sanjuana loves to dance and sing with her young son and relax at home with her husband. |
CECILIA VILLAFRANCO HERNÁNDEZ
Ceci enjoys her job as administrator where she has the chance to improve skills learned at university. She says “Although I dislike rising early in the morning, my job allows me to explore, learn and live things, including Mexican Sign Language, which would not normally touch me”. Ceci also enjoys practicing singing, being with friends and traveling. |
LAURA RODRIGUEZ RAMIREZ
Laura joined EEESMA in 2014 as a student. After graduating online university she has been the primary school teacher. She enjoys creating fun educational materials for her students that strengthen their learning. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and learning new skills in the kitchen, as she dreams of being an independent woman. |
ELIEL GUTIÉRREZ HERNÁNDEZ
Eliel joined EEESMA in 2022 with the desire to learn Mexican Sign Language. He started as an elementary teacher assistant and quickly progressed to high school teacher. Eliel comments "I deeply value the connection with the Deaf community and the shared learning experience with the students". In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, eating out, spending time with friends, or simply relaxing at home. |
FERNANDA GODINEZ ZÚÑIGA
Fernanda joined EEESMA in 2013 as a student. Ten years later she was hired as a teacher assistant and also leads drawing classes for Deaf students. "I love being part of the Deaf community and motivating my students to continue learning every day" signs Fernanda. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, embroidering, sewing and making crafts. She also likes to spend time with her family, especially with her mother and her sister, who recently became a mother. |
JESÚS (TONY) RAMIREZ VÁZQUEZ
Tony was one of the first students to enroll at EEESMA in 2012. After graduating high school he began teaching computer science, LEGO, coding, and robotics to students from elementary to high school. "I am motivated by teaching through technology and connecting it to everyday life topics" states Tony. Besides his love for teaching, Tony enjoys chess, repairing cell phones, running, and spending time with his family and his wife. |
NOELIA CORTES ÁLVEREZ
Noelia arrived at EEESMA in 2016 as a student and after graduation in 2024 began a career as an elementary school teacher assistant. Noelia shares " I am passionate about working with my students through reading projects and recreational activities that foster their creativity". She loves organizing outings or trips to the ranch for the students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and most recently, learning to cook. |
ARACELI RAMÍREZ JUÁREZ
Araceli holds what many consider one of the most important positions, that of chief cook! Araceli likes to learn Mexican Sign Language to better communicate with the students, although she wishes she knew more. Family is on the top of Chely’s list of priorities, and spends most of her spare time with them, considering Sunday a sacred family day. |
GABRIELA JUÁREZ ANDRADE
Gaby has been part of the maintenance staff since 2022, motivated by the attendance of her Deaf son at EEESMA. Her work reflects the love and commitment she has to the school's Deaf community. In her daily life, she balances her duties with caring for her family and household chores, and on weekends, she prefers to rest and enjoy her home; mentioning that as a mother, there is no such thing as free time! |
JAVIER BUSTOS BARRERA
Javier has been teaching in the jewelry workshop since 2016. In 2023, he took on the added role of the school's driver. Javier comments "I enjoy sharing my knowledge of jewelry, witnessing how students acquire a trade that can provide them with financial independence in the future by enabling them to one day have their own business". Driving is another of Javier's passions and his time of relaxation too. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, making jewelry repairs, and maintaining his home. |