Meet Maria - MdC’s Education Director! (Part 2)
Maria Mesta is on a mission - to offer every child their right to an education and a brighter future! She recently joined the MdC Mexico team as Education Director, bringing her years of experience as a Montessori teacher to MdC’s Education Program. Recently, we caught up with her to hear more about her work, her passion for education, and her big dreams for the Besitos community.
The following is Part 2 of the article. To read Part 1, click here.
Maria guides a young student through a writing exercise as part of MdC’s education program.
What made you want to get involved in MdC?
When I was a child, my family moved to the USA. We found ourselves hungry even though we lived in the USA, in what was supposed to be a wealthy country. But because we were immigrants, we did not have the same opportunities as other people. I always remember there were a few months we had to dig through the trash of neighbors just to take out their soda cans. We would mesh them together, go and sell them to a recycling center, and with the money that we got from the cans we would buy food for the day.
There was no one to support us and no one who cared about us. We we had to survive by ourselves. If I can, I want to prevent other children from going through the same struggles that I had to go through.
Maria brings valuable experience as a mother, teacher, and native Mexican to MdC.
Maria conducts a group class as part of MdC’s education program.
When I met Jean and Pastor Francisco and saw what they were doing, I knew I wanted to help. When Jean found out I was a teacher, she was like “We are about to launch our education program!” So we put all the things together and I am very grateful that MdC let me be part of this wonderful program.
I want to help these families because as a mom now, I can relate to the parents. I saw my parents struggling so they could provide me and my siblings an education and it’s very very hard to give a child an education when you don’t have an education yourself. You don’t have a good job and you don’t have resources. Now I can understand the parents and how they must feel … Not being able to do anything to help their families.
“If I can, I want to prevent other children from going through the same struggles that I had to go through. ”
MdC’s education program aims to help children develop reading and writing skills in addition to other subjects.
Maria’s goal is not only to teach children academic skills but also help them believe in themselves.
The children in MdC’s program have been able to focus for longer and longer periods of time.
Many of the children served by MdC are falling behind in school with little hope of catching up to their designated levels.
What do the kids study in the program and what do you do to keep them engaged?
Right now, we are just focusing on reading and writing. Once they master reading and writing, we will move on and help them with other subjects. Right now we have 2 hours of class, 5 days a week, During the first week they couldn’t work for long periods of time. But after only the second week, they were able to work one hour and a half without stopping. They were engaged. I didn’t even have to get creative! Whenever they finish their work, they get to choose if they want to do a wordsearch sheet or a painting sheet or read a book. So as a treat, they get to decide. They are very eager to learn.
“I saw my parents struggling so they can provide me and my siblings an education. And it’s very very hard to give a child an education when you don’t have an education yourself...”
Teacher Lucy helps to paint a student’s hands for an activity.
Maria designed MdC’s education program to support children at all levels of reading and writing.
Teacher Andrea helps a young student with a word search.
How many other teachers are there?
Right now, it’s Andrea and me and we are hiring another teaching and bringing on 2 more assistants to support the students.
What has been the greatest challenge so far with launching this program?
The biggest challenge has been trying to get to know each child and gain their trust. Once a child starts talking to you, you learn about their family, you learn about their life and you get to better understand, “Okay, I now know why he is acting this way, why he is behaving like this, why he is learning”.
Once I can gain their trust they feel more comfortable approaching me with personal things. Then, I can know what they really need, so that they can really learn. That’s it.
For many of these children I get to seem the kids and moms outside of class at MdC’s Saturday program, so it is a great opportunity to keep building connections.
All children are fed a healthy nutritious meal when they come for class.
Maria’s goal is to see children not only excel at reading and writing but also develop confidence and independence.
A young student smiles as she completes her lesson.
How will education impact other areas of these children’s lives?
I sincerely believe education is the foundation on which a child’s future is built. If you don’t have an education it is difficult to have a promising future and the cycle of poverty is going to continue. An education really impacts your entire life, your thinking, reasoning, the way you live and even the way you react to different situations. When you have an education you see things differently compared to when you don’t have an education. So each day, as the children learn, we will make an impact, not only with these children, but maybe also their parents, and surely we will make an impact on the next generation. And that’s when it feels like “Wow, it’s not just what’s right here. It goes on, you know? And that’s amazing.”
“...we will make an impact not only on these kids, but maybe also their parents, and surely the next generation.”
A few weeks ago, MdC celebrated Children’s Day with a party for the young students of our education program.
What is your vision for this community in 50 years?
That is a big question to answer. Well, in 50 years, I think I would envision a totally new community. There are going to be older adults, and they will have graduated from high school and possibly even college. They will have children and an education for them will just be expected. They will be attending school, a good school, their basic needs fulfilled in their homes, not in the poverty they are in right now. A whole new community! As we continue with our programs, I can see the kids with good jobs, succeeding in their studies. A wonderful community in 50 years. I would really love to see that happen.
That is our vision for sure. Beautiful. Thank you so much.
Thank you.
To read Part 1 of Maria’s interview, click here.
