Change the Table, Change the Future

Just over one year ago twenty-year-old Alex Graf was studying welding at Medicine Hat College—and, then, on February 11, 2014, he was killed in a motor vehicle accident. Today, just one year later, dozens of young men from the impoverished mountains of Mexico are benefiting from the generosity of family and friends inspired by the “one of a kind personality” and the “love and laughter” of Alex Graf. As the years go by, those “dozens” will become “hundreds.”

Alex's Welding Shop

“Alex’s Welding Shop” is now one of the favorite places for students at the Champagnat High School of the Mountain to “hang out”—as long as they’re doing something constructive and as long as they are observing all the rules in terms of safety and care of the machinery.

Many of the students never saw welding tools before in their lives

I love hanging out in the shop too—even as I confess that I’m seldom doing something constructive. But just watching the students interact and learn is a beautiful experience.

It's always easier working with someone else

The education offered at this school is incredible. The 245 indigenous students “follow” the regular Mexican curriculum, but they learn about their native cultures as well: the sacred stories, the customs, the rituals, the traditions, and the struggles that have nourished the cosmovision of their peoples for centuries.

"Now what did the teacher say this was for?" seemed to be a common reaction in the beginning

In his latest book, Change the Story, Change the Future: A Living Economy for a Living Earth, David Korten points out that “we humans live by our shared framing stories and have a deep need for a sense of purpose and meaning. If we do not share an authentic sacred story, the void will be filled with an inauthentic story—and that is our problem. An economy, a society, built on the foundation of a lie cannot work.”

"It looks like the right length to me"

Korten also mentions that “many indigenous people use the term sacred to refer to what is most important, most essential to the well-being of the community and its members, and therefore most worthy of special respect and care. It is in that sense that I speak here of sacred stories.”

"Wow, this is fun..."

Talking to the students in Alex’s Welding Shop proves that the “sacred story” motivating these students is one of what is “most essential to the well-being of the community and its members.” The students don’t talk about making money or getting ahead just on a personal level; they constantly refer to the difference that their learned skills can make in their school now and in their communities of origin afterwards.

There is classroom learning too for welding—here with Brother Checo, master welder

It was almost funny to be present in the first “hands-on” classes. Master welder Andrés invited the students to make something small: a table, a flowerpot holder, a window frame, a small chair—one student even made a barbell for weight lifting. He let them make tons of mistakes—and some of the finished products did produce laughter (including a table with the most uneven legs I’ve ever seen). But then, building on that initial effort, Andrés slowly and surely guided the students through the construction of the same item—this time using the tools and methods that an experienced welder would take advantage of in order to produce a high-quality product.

"I think this will work; all I need is the other end"

Alex Graf’s legacy is impacting lives in this remote mountain region of Mexico. “Changing the table” is not only “changing the story” for students and families and communities here; it is in a very real way “changing the future.” The students asked me to extend their gratitude to Alex’s family and friends and to Mission Mexico for helping them to have this life-giving experience. Alex is now part of their “sacred story.” I can’t think of a more incredible tribute. Thank you, Alex.

Placing Hope in Education for a Different Future

“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best—” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called. — A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

I’m not sure what it was called either, but this quote came to mind last week as I was driving into the village of San Miguel el Progreso. I hadn't been there for about ten years, and I was really looking forward to seeing old friends. Just the anticipation of that encounter made the drive along the dusty road easier to handle (the view helped too: it was like driving to heaven; Elijah had his chariot, I had my truck).

Driving to San Miguel el Progreso

I was going there to deliver a supply of educational materials to the local high school. Forgive me for smiling as I re-read that line. The high school in San Miguel, with 104 students, is quite different from the image of a high school that most Canadians probably have. Consider the following photo of the outside of half of the high school:

 

The original classrooms of the high school (and still being used)

And the high school classroom is rather different than the classrooms that I used to teach in when I lived in Calgary:

A Grade 12 classroom in San Miguel

The parents in San Miguel have organized and formed an Education Committee that is, as they put it, “knocking on doors” of governmental and non-governmental organizations in the hope of improving their educational facilities. The state government did build them three new classrooms, but the committee is hoping for more: things like Internet service, a small library, a chemistry lab, a sports field (even if not regulation size), more teachers, etc.

Three classrooms recently built by the government

The 3,500 people who live in San Miguel basically live from growing coffee. Unfortunately, this year they are receiving a double whammy: coffee prices are low in the market, and many of the coffee plants in the area suffer from a plague called “coffee leaf rust.” I mentioned in a blog in September that “food and education” is a “marriage made in heaven” in terms of what most parents hope for their children. But food has to be the priority—and the upcoming year looks like it’s going to be a hungry one for many people in San Miguel.

Coffee beans drying in the sun in San Miguel

The principal of the high school is Fausto, a very committed young man. I used to teach him in the diocesan seminary before his life took a turn toward the field of education. He was born in San Miguel and understands the challenges that his people face. He is a wonderful example of someone who is using his abilities and energy to work for the well-being of his community.

Fausto and his wife, Adelina, in their kitchen-dining area

It is such a blessing to be allowed to be here and to accompany as best I can the efforts of so many incredible people as they struggle to create a better world for others. The many little and big things that Mission Mexico is able to do is multiplied by the renewed sense of commitment that many people experience when they realize that they are not alone in their struggle for life. Perhaps that is one of the best gifts that Mission Mexico offers.

Another (outdoor) classroom in the high school in San Miguel

So thank you to all who support Mission Mexico. You are making a difference in people’s lives. Have a great week.

Driving home from San Miguel at night can be an adventure too