On one of her many trips to Guadalajara,Mexico, California native and seasoned speech pathologist Margarita Fajardo, had a life-altering experience when she visited an orphanage and met a young girl named Conchita. Conchita, born with cerebral palsy, was abandoned at the city dump. Fortunately a garbage collector found her and she was then given a home along with 19 other disabled children and young adults at a home called, “ Bienaventurados de Jesus. ” The following year Margarita returned bringing with her more therapists and equipment to help improve the lives of all the children there by enhancing their communication skills and thus, Children of Mexico International was created.

"North American Project- Santa Clara, California"

Under the direction of Dawn Ferrer, Vice-President for North American Operations, Children of Mexico International is now providing free speech therapy services to the children of St. Joseph's Academy in Santa Clara, an awesome home-school/site-based program run by an order of nuns from Argentina.  The nuns teach the core subjects four mornings a week and the parents are responsible for teaching the children in the afternoon.  This cooperative home-school program has 57 students, from preschool to high school, who can attend the school for free but parents must contribute in some way by teaching a class, doing projects, providing resources, etc.  The families bring all of their children to school so babies are there too.  For early childhood education, they follow the Montessori method of instruction.   Most of the families are from areas such as East Palo Alto, East San Jose, Alviso, etc. who wanted a better education for their children but can't afford private school. 

Click here to see our North American Project pictures