Could this cloud have a silver lining?

The High School in Oaxaca that Armonía has partnered with since 2007 when AIMS was set up is under new Management and has been experiencing a few challenges lately. However, some of the parents from the locality as well as Joaquín from Armonía (who acts as an Older Brother to the Armonía Students) have had meetings recently with the directors and things seem to be on the right path again.

Going back a bit for the school’s history – the previous Director used to accept indigenous students from Armonia who were on the AIMS programme. A strong bond was formed between the 2 organisations. The school ran sports activities among many others and the Armonia International Board visited and were impressed with what they saw. The PTA were won around to the work the school was doing with the Armonia students. So successful was it that non AIMS students began to ask if they could go to Armonia! In a schools wide exam in Nov ’08 the top 3 places went to Armonia Students representing the school at State Level and also at an Olympiad – a University Challenge type event at schools level. The Director and Saul & Pilar were understandably thrilled at its success. The partnership was coming to fruition! Then, last year, out of the 17,000 University applicants in Mexico City, 5 Armonia Students were placed in the top 25 (including the three who won the Oaxacan Olympiad). Quite an achievement, I’m sure you’ll agree.

However, publicity like this can be double-edged. News of this success spread quickly and a new scholarship scheme is being set up for non-indigenous students. Some kids from the Community Centres in and around Mexico City have been identified. This is great news and shows the ripple effect that empowering a small group of indigenous students has.

Unfortunately, news of this success spread to the wrong kind of people too. Armonia is about creating new possibilities.... it doesn’t drive for publicity but sometimes it comes anyway. Giving a voice to the voiceless can lead to negative consequences. At times politicians want to cash in on the publicity but of course this runs against the principles of walking alongside the poor.

However, there is always a strong belief in the way God rules in all things. As we know, the current AIMS Residence came out of a difficult situation. Armonia has to constantly adapt to the context it finds itself in.

Which brings us to the good news – a new community centre is in the process of being planned and built near the new residence. Though a lot of prayer and funds are still needed. This may be able to double up as a school in the future, which will not only take Armonía students but serve the local community as well.