The student chorus from Chapala’s Encarnación Rosas primary school (Escuela Urbana 1066) has earned a field trip to the Guadalajara Zoo sponsored by the local government in recognition for winning first place in Jalisco’s 2014 competition for the best interpretation of the Mexican National Anthem (Himno Nacional Mexicano). 

The small gratitude celebration at the children’s home La Villa Infantil de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe y San José on Friday, May 23 marked the culmination of a project that represents years of preparation and hours of labor. The cake that was served at lunch said it all, “Gracias al Sol.”

Alerted by neighbors, social workers turned up at a house in a rundown city neighborhood this week to find two children, aged two and four, chained up by their absent mother.

Passersby are noticing that the Riberas del Pilar bazaar that helps support Los Niños de Chapala y Ajijic (NCA) has a whole new look. The bold blue and gold color scheme features iconic NCA student “Stick Man” painted on the door.

Under Mexico’s official school calendar, school kids will have about five weeks between July 15 and August 18 to enjoy a summer break from their studies.  Working parents and busy grandparents can choose from a variety Lakeside area vacation time programs to keep youngsters busy and entertained during the lapse.