Programs

Help Deaf Kids Learn to Code

Another challenge that EEESMA faces is the employability of students after they graduate from school.
Deaf adults in Mexico are either severely unemployed or underemployed even to a far higher percentage than those in the United States which stands at 70%. Deaf children and young adults in Mexico do not have access to a fraction of the educational or support opportunities that American Deaf students are offered.
Friends and donors who work in the technology sector showed us a valuable opportunity which could radically change that situation. There is ample evidence to suggest that tech fields are viable, and in fact, almost ideal for those who are Deaf. With business increasingly moving to email and texting messages rather than in-person meetings or phone calls, the communications challenges for Deaf employees in a traditional work environment are almost eradicated. Consequently, in recent months we have focused on helping our kids become more tech savvy. But having basic computing skills is not the same as harnessing the power of writing or developing programs.
The Help Deaf Kids Learn to Code initiative will prepare our students to be tech specialized and qualified for these fulfilling, stable and well-paid jobs. It will allow them to work remotely, not just in Mexico, but within the global workplace.
Every public and private sector operation on earth requires these skills. By building Deaf students’ arsenals with knowledge and know-how, we are equipping them to bridge the employment gap, regardless of their auditory or communication challenges. We are empowering our kids to become the leaders of the next generation of innovators, with the skills the world needs.
Won’t you help make that happen?

Help Deaf Kids Learn to Code Matching Funds Campaign April 3rd-7th, 2023
-donations of up to $50 will be matched by 50%, therefore a donation of $50 becomes $75
-monthly recurring donations of up to $50 will be matched by 100% as long as the recurring donation runs for a minimum of 4 months consecutively. If the recurring donation runs for a full 4 months, the total of $200 will also be matched by 100%, bringing the total including matching funds to $400

Canadian donors are asked to specify the EEESMA Student Scholarship Project on the Amistad Canada website; the link following. Official tax receipts are provided and please keep in mind that donations made by Interac transfer incur less fees. https://www.amistadcanada.org/donate

American donors are asked to visit the Global Giving Crowdfunding Platform. Official tax receipts are provided.
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/help-deaf-kids-in-mexico-learn-to-code/

Mexican Sign Language

Mexican Sign Language (LSM) classes are essential to help siblings, parents, and volunteers communicate more effectively with
Deaf students.

Classes have also been designed for the public to help ensure more understanding and awareness in the community of the Deaf.

Please donate to this program so classes continue on a regular basis.

support this program

Deseñas Gallery

To showcase and make available by donation the creations made by the students with their own hands in the Vocational Training Workshops, a small display area was carved out of an underutilized school space.

The gallery's name Deseñas means "design" or "of sign"; also referencing the slogan "For the love of sign language".

The gallery is manned by volunteers and is open every Friday between 11am-2pm when school is in session.

Look for the purple and white ribbons and street-side signage at La Calle Canal 152, EEESMA School for the Deaf.
Phone 415-152-0058

Please email desenas@eeesma.com to learn more.

Go to the store

Vocational Training

Many older students will likely choose not to continue their education past the middle school level, so the school offers vocational training to increase their chances of gaining employment locally.

Students receive skills training from volunteers and small business owners in the community in areas of carpentry, baking, cooking, jewelry making and design, sewing, and computing.

Local business involvement and your donation will ensure the workshops continue.

support this program

Transition Planning

Ensuring a smooth transition from school to the workplace is essential. In transition planning students receive:

entrepreneurship classes to prepare them to run their own small business,
communication coaching to improve on-the-job discourse with those that don't have sign language,
extra mathematics and Spanish lessons to include vocabulary specifically needed for the job,
classes to teach each student what an employer expects from an employee, and
a mentor guidance during the first stages of employment to ensure the best outcome.

Support this program