Mexicans attest to success of SFU outreach program in education

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Four women from Tijuana, Mexico are coming to Vancouver to talk about how a one-of-a-kind, community-based education program, co-sponsored by SFU, has changed their lives. The three-year program—Women, Poverty and Education in Mexico—helps low-income Mexican women overcome barriers, such as poverty, gender discrimination, low literacy levels and racism, to getting a higher education.

Universidad Iberoamericana and Los Ninos de Baja California, a Mexican non-government organization and SFU (Latin American Studies and community education in continuing studies) run the program. Its 98 participants are well known where they live as community promoters and are heavily involved in volunteer work. The four who are coming to relay their experiences in the program are graduating in December.

The women’s presentations are open to the public, including the media. One presentation will be part of a panel discussion and luncheon on Thursday, September 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The location has yet-to-be-announced. Check with Shanthi Besso as indicated above. The second presentation is on Monday, September 29, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Peter Kaye Room, Vancouver Public Library. Limited seating. RSVP 604.291.5201, sbesso@sfu.ca.

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website: SFU community education: www.sfu.ca/cstudies/community/