Proyecto Itzaes

I have known Proyecto Itzaes since its beginning here in Yucatan. It's truly making a difference in the lives of kids in several pueblos who wouldn't otherwise have access to the books and learning materials they provide.
Each year there is a science fair held in the central park of one of the villages. There, the whole town can learn about many aspects of science-- from bats and snakes to chemistry and robotics. It's beautiful to see the excitement and fascination on the kids' faces!

It was amazing!! People, children. Everything was wonderfull

I make annual donations to Proyecto Itzaes because I believe strongly in the important contribution they make for education in the Maya communities of Yucatan. I urge others to donate! Even a small amount will help buy books!

I have watched Proyecto Itzaes grow from a dream almost 30 years ago to the amazing reality that it is now, largely due to the incredible energy of its founder and her strong belief in the importance of education for the children of the small villages of the Yucatan. Where once it was bringing books and increasing literacy, the program grew to offering computers, exploring science, engaging in artwork, and expanding on and exploring the incredible environment and history of the world around these young people. With all of this came a love of learning, as can be seen by looking at the videos on the website of both the students and the volunteers who teach them, who are themselves PI graduates. PI has brought change and donations have made so many eager to stay in school far longer than their parents did, and enabled a few to proceed on to the university. This is truly success but it can only continue with more hard work and more donations. I believe it is well worth supporting.

I have followed the work of Proyecto Itzaes from its beginning. This organization changes people's lives through empowerment. It is small but mighty. I always feel my dollars go a long way when I donate. Thanks to all those that make it happen!

One of the inspiring aspects of PI is the multi-generational looping phenomenon. Over time young toddlers who were once learning through the PI summer programs have transformed into "asesores" teaching and mentoring the next generation coming through in the same space creating a nice full circle. Some now have a hand in managing this wonderful program lending to its homegrown nature as well. It is definitely a very special program and community of people.

When I was young my family spent some time in the Yucatan and I have followed the organization ever since. Proyecto Itzaes is a special, thoughtful, community centered organization making a real difference in lives every day. When you donate or contribute you know the funds go to real people to make real change.

Another great year for Proyecto Itzaes! This amazing nonprofit provides books, academic enrichment, tutoring, Maya culture classes, art, science, dance, support for college students, and more to children in Yucatec villages. I am proud to support Proyecto Itzaes as a board member! Please consider donating today to support this critical work.

Me encanta sus proyectos donde los niños adquieren nuevos conocimientos

Proyecto itzaes es muy especial, por qué los niños y niñas aprenden muchas cosas nuevas , se divierten y descubren muchas avilidades. Proyecto itzaes gracias por existir.

Amis hijos les encanta la feria de ciencias de proyecto itzaes porque les gusta aprender cosas nuevas

Proyecto Itzaes enriches and transforms lives through engaging education. The organization's work instills curiosity and the desire for continuous discovery.

Soy Emmanuel y actualmente soy un voluntario de este gran proyecto, que combina cultura y ciencia,y que comparte conocimiento para las futuras generaciones.
Sin duda alguna este es un gran espacio de aprendizaje, de recreación y expresión, esto a través de nuestros diferentes cursos o programas, ferias de ciencia, cursos de verano, entre otros. Ixil y las otras comunidades están felices por todo el aporte que hacen a los niños, jóvenes y adultos.

Año 2023
Mi nombre es Airam Veronny, feliz y orgullosa de ser parte del gran equipo del PI, cada año vemos a diferentes generaciones disfrutar y aprender de las diferentes actividades que realizamos. Gracias a todos por el apoyo que nos han brindado para poder llevarle a los niños un poco de grandes aventuras.

Proyecto Itzaes is a wonderful organization that provides educational opportunities for children as well as celebrating local Mayan language and culture.

I feel great about supporting this organization. We get detailed feedback about how our donations are used. They don't just provide books for their literacy program; PI helps the community in ways that address their unique barriers to better education. PI works in a way that respects and supports Maya culture. You won't find a more impactful and responsible organization to support.

I have worked with Cindy Wilber as a scientist in Jasper Ridge and have nothing but great memories. She was attentive, and caring, able to teach and manage projects with attention and compassion. I love that Proyecto Itzaes has opened five new PI libraries, send 13 first-generation students to the University, brought school supplies to six villages, and taught hundreds of children computer skills and changed lives in Yucatán in the recent past. It's encouraging that such great work is taking place where it has great impact on the present and future of children in Yucatec villages.

I am always impressed to hear about Proyecto Itzaes and the work they do. Thanks for everything you do.

As a scientist and educator, I adore and admire what the staff and supporters of Proyecto Itzaes are doing: supporting children in play, learning and exploration, with classes in arts, sciences, and technical fields like robotics. It makes a big difference to me that children who started in the program want to continue, as twenty-somethings, as counselors (serving their communities), and that the same counselors are pursuing their own dreams and careers in university. The cultural respect and humility is evident, for Maya culture and families. I track the great work of Proyecto Itzaes from my home; for a couple years, I've been figuring out how to get there as a volunteer (I'll get there!). What a beautiful, heartfelt, and effective non-profit.

PI continues to provide critical educational opportunities through material and programmatic support to a growing list of villages in the Yucatan. This support of local communities is even more important in the time of the COVID pandemic and worldwide economic uncertainty. The success stories are impressive. This exceptional project deserves our continued support.

Proyecto Itzes es un espacio seguro para los niños y niñas, al ser partícipes de esta experiencia ellos aprenden y al mismo tiempo se divierten. Hoy en día el proyecto Itzes se va vuelvo importante en la comunidad, de este modo cada vez acuden más niños a la clases y son muy entusiastas al llegar. Esperemos que está bonita labor perdure por mucho más.

El grupo de proyecto itzaes me ha enseñado una gran variedad de cosas,desde mi niñez hasta mi adolescencia, he aprendido demasiado, gracias a ellos hoy en día, he mejorado en la situación de aprendizajes, proyecto itzaes me ha enseñado que pase lo que pase puedes cumplir tus sueños, y seguir adelante aprendiendo cada día más, y también quiero agradecer por la variedad de libros que uno encuentra, cómo libros para niños hasta libros para adultos, ellos me dieron la oportunidad de mejorar mi lectura, aprender robótica, etc.
Me gusta proyecto itzaes por la gran organización que tienen en cada uno de sus clases y eventos, muchas gracias por darnos la oportunidad a proyecto itzaes.

I was very lucky to spend time in Ixil with Proyecto Itzaes. The team working on the ground is deeply dedicated to serving the community and very knowledgeable about how to distribute resources in ways that feel equitable and empowering to the recipients. The educational programming is also wonderful: community teachers create engaging lessons for the children and young adults. I am so glad Proyecto Itzaes exists and I'm looking forward to continuing to see the work they do!

Proyecto Itzaes is an amazing organization which cements the community. Such a wonderful group of people, grateful for all the work they do!

Our major support goes to this outstanding nonprofit. Perfectly run, wonderfully useful and important, and a significant impact in the community. Highly, highly recommended

I have had the privilege of visiting Proyecto Itzaes at several its sites. I have always been impressed by the workers and by the children and their projects, such as collecting stories of elders to preserve them. The literacy program is vibrant with wonderful books and computers to encourage reading and writing, drawing and expression. It's a project for which I know my money is put to excellent use. I have enjoyed meeting children from the program who are now adults and contributing members of their communities.

Proyecto Itzaes goes above and beyond to provide educational resources to families in Yucatán, Mexico, working at the ground level to empower local communities and very literally changing lives! I can't rate this nonprofit high enough!

Simply ecstatic to be a part of continuing Proyecto Itzaes efforts and the authentic impact this nonprofit has on the community it serves.

I volunteered with Proyecto Itzaes many summers ago and had a fantastic experience. I really believe in the work they're doing, and it is so inspiring to see the folks who were kids then take on leadership roles within the community.

Wonderful experience learning about the incredible educational programming at Proyecto Itzaes. And the attention paid to Maya culture, learning and heritage. Cindy does a wonderful job working within the community to foster a community of learning and teaching.

Soy Tere Tinal del municipio de ixil. Conozco a los voluntarios Jessica y Francisco, son unas excelentes personas en su labor en el proyecto, y por medio de ello también se han logrado desarrollar profesionalmente y van cumpliendo sus sueños ������

Como habitante de la comunidad de Ixil, es satisfactorio observar que exista un sitio donde los niños puedan realizar actividades que ayudan al aprendizaje y al recreo; es una buena manera de acercarlos a la naturaleza, a la educación y a la convivencia.

Mención especial a los colaboradores Jessica y Francisco, gracias por tanto, perdón por tan poco, los niños están agradecidos con ellos por todo lo que aportan aunque no se lo digan mucho.

Mi nombre es Nancy Tax, participe como voluntaria durante muchos años en este proyecto desde sus inicios; Cuando recibí la invitación no dude en sumarme, ya que vi lo importe que esto seria para la comunidad de Ixil. Ahora en el presente veo los resultados y el impacto positivo que ha traído a todas aquellas personas que ha formado parte de este proyecto; Directores, Asesores, niños y jóvenes de la comunidad, donadores etc. Que gracias a su tiempo y dedicación este proyecto prevalece hasta ahora; De igual manera veo el crecimiento que tienen en materiales, libros, equipamiento en toda su infraestructura en general. Hace unos días me tope con Mani, él fue el primer niño en inscribirse a las clases del PI cuando el apenas tenía 5 años y me platico que acabe de empezar e su primer trabajo como Químico Fármaco Biólogo ahí es cuando te das cuenta del pasar de años y que rodearse de gente positiva y que se preocupa por tu comunidad te hace llegar muy lejos.

Soy habitante de la población de Ixil, Yucatán; conozco las actividades que se realizan en el Proyecto Itzáes, gracias al entusiasmo y dedicación de Jessica Cetz, Francisco Pech y todos los voluntarios que imparten los distintos talleres, cursos de verano y Ferias de ciencias. Es gratificante ver que existan espacios en la población en la que los niños pueden acudir para mejorar su desempeño escolar, practicar algún deporte, acercase a la ciencia, tecnología y la lectura al mismo tiempo que se fomenta la conservación del medio ambiente y de nuestra cultura y sus tradiciones mayas.
El apoyo que brinda a la población también impacta a los jóvenes que fungen como asesores voluntarios pues al acercarse al ámbito científico y tecnológico y conociendo las historias de vida de otros asesores y becarios que nos visitan de Estados Unidos se han interesado en realizar sus estudios universitarios y con la beca que reciben han podido finalizar una carrera profesional.

Proyecto Itzaes is a wonderful organization that provides multi-level support to Mayan families & communities. Beyond educational resources, this non-profit seeks to help offering many wraparound services. They are doing their best to combat all the hardships COVID has unfortunately wrought. Thank you PI for all you do.

Hola mi Nombre es Emmanuel (mani)
Soy voluntario en proyecto itzaes, y sin duda alguna puedo decirlo con la frente en alto.
Proyecto Itzaes es un espacio único y diferente en la comunidad (Ixil)
Este espacio permite que niños, jóvenes y adultos puedan desarrollar la creatividad a través de diferentes cursos como manualidades, asesorías, deporte y cultura.
Sin duda alguna Proyecto Itzaes ha cambiado la vida de cientos de niños y jóvenes de la comunidad, por eso cada día, yo como voluntarios me esfuerzo para dar lo mejor de mi y dar de mis conocimientos para las nuevas generaciones.

#YoSoyProyectoItzaes

Soy voluntario y lo mejor del proyecto Itzaes es hacer que los niños aprendan de una manera didáctica y creativa, además de brindar las ayudas necesarias para cualquier persona que lo necesite, muchas gracias Proyecto Itzaes #IlovePI
❤️

PI is an incredible and important organization run by wonderful people. They make concrete, meaningful change in the communities where they live and work.

Gracias a todos los que trabajan para Proyecto Itzaes.

Estoy muy agrecido por las ayudas recibidas durante la presente Contingencia Sanitaria mundial y las inundaciones que provocaron las fuertes lluvias hace algunas semanas en la comnunidad de Ixil, Too, Dzemul, y Chic. Pueblo. Gracias.

Proyecto Itzaes sigue siendo muy especial para las comunidades de Yucatán. En especial para las familias de Ixil.


#TodossomosproyectoItzaes.

Hace algunos años fui parte del grupo de asesores en el Proyecto Itzaes en la comunidad de Ixil Yucatán. Fue una experiencia muy gratificante y enriquecedora. Estoy muy agradecida por el apoyo que recibí para continuar con mis estudios y también por lo que hacen por los niños de la comunidad.

Reciban un cordial saludo.

María Pastora Pech Cutz.

As an Asian American historian, I have been inspired and enlightened by the work of Proyecto Itzaes. This is an extraordinary non-profit organization that directly delivers educational services to Mayan children and their families, and promotes respect for their culture and heritage. I am proud to support Proyecto Itzaes, and gratified by its reports of how the Mayan children benefit by learning life-skills in their native language. Americans have a very limited, white supremacist view of what "literacy" means, and Proyecto Itzaes , thank goodness, teaches us differently.
Connie Young Yu

Soy voluntaria de Proyecto Itzaes Ixil y es para mí un orgullo formar parte de ellos, ya que es un espacio en el que los niños pueden aprender y divertirse, desde la ciencia, hasta educación y deportes. He visto la participación de los niños y asesores en las diferentes actividades que hemos hecho en la comunidad y siempre se llevan una sonrisa.
También me encuentro agradecida por todas las donaciones que hacen para que el proyecto itzaes siga creciendo. ¡Gracias!
#SoyProyectoItzesIxil

We visited over 10 years ago and were able to go to multiple sites/villages. The work that Proyecto Itzaes is doing is simply magical. I have never been awed before like this. The leadership has used their resources to maximize investment in the programs they offer and the heart and soul of the organization is inspiring.

I was in the unique position of closing a small independent school and was able to funnel the remaining funds to P.I after careful consideration by our board. I know it was a nice surprise to them!

I am so excited to volunteer with Proyecto Itzaes this December! They provide incredible resources to children and families while preserving Maya heritage. Children are given the opportunity to learn new skills to seek gainful employment in a changing economy. Science, reading, mentorship—all in a community based program.

I support Proyecto Itzaes (PI) because it has a long-term record for its commitment to enhancing the education opportunities to young members of the local communities while maintaining their cultural identify and traditions. PI's long-term dedication to integrating family values, community based education and scientific rigor in its programs are truly admirable. Lo mejor de todo es que es un programa que expone a miembros de la comunidad a otras personas y oportunidades internacionales. Estas oportunidades han abierto muchas puertas para que los estudiantes que se graduan de PI puedan obtener mejores oportunidades de trabajos y educacion. Muy buena organization! Great organization!

Proyecto Itzaes is an excellent nonprofit who does important work.

Important mission being enacted by wonderful people. In world where "science" is associated with white men, it is really important to have organizations like Proyecto Itzaes that work in the intersection of indigenous peoples and science.

We have been supporting Proyecto Itzaes for over a decade, knowing Cindy Wilbur and her work in this rural community.
The work there in providing support and resources for childhood and adult education is important, and we have enjoyed following the progress of project Proyecto Itzaes. We have been kept well informed and look forward to continuity our support.
Dexter and Carol Hake

There was a time when I needed deeply to have an educational scientific experience. Proyecto Itzaes gave the opportunity to accomplish his. With the opportunity of using foldscopes as teaching scientific tools.
It's been many times that I been teaching science workshops to children and it been great. I cannot think of any other space where I could find this opportunity, that's why I wish the best in the years to come.

Proyecto Itzaes gives opportunities to children in communities that they would have not otherwise have access to. The first generations are all grown up and having success in their careers and also helping out the younger generation. This is really a Great Non Profit worth donating or volunteering.

Proyecto Itzaes is a wonderful non-profit organization run by an amazing team. I have been very happy and proud to support the organization's mission and activities with my time and dollars over the last 10 years. After witnessing the programs and activities in action during a visit with the executive director to some of the Yucatan villages where Proyecto Itzaes operates in Mexico and helping out with some of the internal operations in Palo Alto over the years, I can say from my own experience that this organization is doing incredible things!

Hola me llamo julian y estoy agusto apoyando como asesor y me gusta ver como los niños se divierten jugando y compartiendo los materiales entre ellos y me gustaria seguor llendo gracias.

Our organization was impressed with the effectiveness, breadth and respectfulness of Proyecto Itzaes's programs. And as donors, we are confident that with Proyecto Itzaes's minimal overhead and pay-it-forward approach, our dollars will do a tremendous amount of good for beneficiaries.

Hola me llamo Diego Uitzil, originario de Dzemul, Yucatán.
Actualmente me desempeño en el Proyecto Itzaez como maestro de música, especialmente en canto y guitarra.
Actualmente cuento con 5 adolescentes, con los cuales trabajamos en recuperación de la música Trova, para recuperar las tradiciones de la localidad.
Es una muy buena institución, ya que motiva los niños, jóvenes y adolescentes a poder hacer algo más productivos, e incrementar conocimientos y habilidades.

As a donor I am confident that every penny given goes directly to those in need. I have also met several individuals who were once the recipients of the books, scholarships, and other resources from this organization and now choose to give their time and energy back to this cause. This kind of dedication to community and education is truly admirable.

I was invited to Proyecto Itzaes to spend time at a few of their centers, such as those in Ixil and Dzemul, and was so impressed. The Maya language and culture is endangered – much of this new generation can understand it spoken by their grandparents, but little more. PI is a much-needed resource in the region of community support, pride, and positive social action. Kids come for academic support, sports and arts, and other extracurricular activities (such as my 2-week storytelling workshops), and to generally have a good time. Their staff, made up largely of passionate alumni of the program, welcome them into the warm and productive space they continuously foster. They are helping kids realize why their heritage is worth preserving and making it natural for them to do so.

El proyecto Itzaes es muy importante para los niños y asesores de Yucatán. Ayuda en el aprendizaje de los niños con actividades, juegos y mucha diversión. Estoy feliz por apoyar en las actividades del Proyecto. Gracias a todas las personas que hacen posible el Proyecto Itzaes.

There are any number of qualified non-profits competing for donor dollars. Yet our organization was extremely impressed with Proyecto Itzaes and its work benefiting Mayan children and families in the Yucatan. The Executive Director is fabulous, and the projects are targeted, impactful, and far reaching. PI is exceptionally lean on administrative overhead, with virtually every dollar going directly to program. PI is a wonderful example of an organization that has intelligently thought through how to work at the community-level; the efforts resonate through villages and beyond, all with wonderful heart.

PI does not simply contribute to communities in a direct and meaningful way. They make it possible for communities to implement their own solutions. The personal energy and creativity poured into these efforts is truly impressive, which is why I have been a donor for many years now.

Proyecto Itzaes does fantastic work and makes our world a better place.

I first got a chance to work with Proyecto Itzaes about 10 years ago when the organization was working at providing internet access to local villages. Since then, I’ve returned to the Yucatan on a number of occasions and witnessed the progress PI has made with the communities it serves. I’ve been amazed that a relatively small non-profit has withstood the test of time and continues to grow and thrive while bringing great educational opportunities to underserved people. It has also been gratifying to watch young kids I interacted with a decade ago leveraging the opportunities PI provided into higher education, careers, and great personal achievements!

Jessica Cetz Dzib, José Fco P. Cutz and Executive Director Cindy Wilber did a fantastic job of organizing a science education day that my wife and I participated in. Our 5 year old daughter also took part. It was an incredible response by the community and for hours they came and learned from the small but effective hands in science exhibits and also shared parts of their beautiful Mayan culture. As we are Native Americans this part was especially touching. It was one of the most moving experiences I've had in 30 plus years of my professional career.

I first learned about Proyecto Itzaes while working at Stanford University over the summer of 2016. I have been continuously blown away by this organization, and in particular by how much impact is being made with limited resources. Having seen many non-profits fail to effectively serve under served populations while working in Latin America, Proyecto Itzaes stands out to me as a bright spot. I am especially impressed by the great concern that Proyecto Itzaes takes in engaging genuinely with the local cultures. One example of this I recently heard about was trip lead by Proyecto Itzaes that brought a group of young Mayan students to visit some of the ancient Mayan ruins -a cultural site that many of them had never visited. Thanks Proyecto Itzaes for all you do!

This summer my husband and I took our boys (ages 8 and 6) down to the Yucatan. We visited a Proyecto Itzaes center in Chicxulub and saw firsthand the amazing impact of this non-profit group. We watched kids check out books from the library. We sat in on a brainstorming meeting to talk about what classes the older kids wanted to offer the younger kids. We cheered on the Proyecto Itzaes soccer team as our boys joined them in a fun filled game. We learned about the cooking classes, cultural classes, and plans for more access to technology to help students in this modern world. The best thing we witnessed were the smiles of all the kids and the truly dedicated people who make it all possible. My boys are excited to visit again and help out in the future. To me, that speaks volumes.

We are planning a charity trip to visit Proyecto Itzaes this fall, and can't wait to see firsthand the great work Cindy and her team are doing in Yucatán. The pre-trip communication and support have been superb! Our program participants are excited to meet the kids and learn more about this incredible part of our world.
Amber Kelleher - Founder, Exchange of Pace (exchangeofpace.org)

Anyone who has worked with Proyecto Itzaes has seen the tangible and positive effects that the organization is making in small communities on the Yucatán. I worked with PI at a community science fair in the village of Ixil, and was equally impressed by the dedication of the teachers and the enthusiasm of the local community. The organization brings much needed educational resources to underserved areas, and opens up incredible opportunities for its students. I can't speak highly enough of the work that Proyecto Itzaes does, and have seen firsthand that all donations are put directly to use for the betterment of local communities. If providing opportunity through education is something you care about, you can't go wrong with a contribution to Proyecto Itzaes.

This is a fantastic non-profit and the founder, board members, and volunteers are incredibly compassionate and hardworking. I have been able to travel to Yucatan with Proyecto Itzaes and witness first-hand the impact that this organization has on the community and on education. I could not give a higher recommendation!

This is a small Palo Alto, CA based nonprofit that does big value-added experiences for several Mayan villages east of Merida Mexico near Chixalube Puerto - families, children and adults learning together to build more sustainable lives - teaching each other

PI is a wonderful organization. It provides community support, after-school activities and education, and role models in several villages near Merida, Yucatan. While Merida is a world-class city, the nearby villages have seen a lack of progress. PI helps people band together to help themselves and their children -- give them aspirations for a better future, and help them achieve it. I am especially proud of the college students we have encouraged and supported. Often, they have a scholarship already. PI supplies bus fare so they can stay home and travel to Merida for classes, plus some support for books and supplies. When they get their degree, many stay and contribute to the community.

Proyecto Itzaes keeps doing an amazing job towards education of unprivileged children in Yucatan. It has shown resilience to keep working in difficult areas and where there are few opportunities and it really makes a difference on the kids that can be reached.

Was fortunate enough to see PI in action in Mexico. Impressed at how far they can make their resources go. Very well-run org doing great work!

Our Los Altos Rotary club partnered with Palo Alto RC and Mexican Nuevas Generaciones Rotary in Merida providing and completing a recent $32,000 grant to Proyecto Itzaes which provided notebook computers, flash drive memory sticks, educational software, outdoor shade providing palapas, solar cooking ovens, efficient biomass briquette fueled rocket stoves and Spanish language STEM instruction software on the use of the solar cooking and biomass fueled efficient rocket stoves to use instead of open fire ovens or expensive propane cooking. Our team of Rotarians from Los Altos, Mountain View and Merida visited Proyecto Itzaes village centers to deliver, assemble and demonstrate these devices... which were warmly received by these Mayan village families. This grant helped improved computer literacy, sustainable STEM related instruction, and demonstrated how these devices can reduce the need to chop wood fuel from surrounding forest or buy expensive propane cooking. An article which featured this Proyecto Itzaes Project appeared last week in USA Today's Caribbean-Mexico edition. Proyecto Itzaes does outstanding work in improving the quality of life for these poorer rural villagers in Yucatan

I went down to the Yucatan to view the non-profit in action and was very impressed. The children are benefitting greatly from the extra computer and book exposure at the centers and the best part is that they are fully supported by their parents who are also leaning from their kids. I plan on going again in the near future to continue to help them as they work on a "shoe-string" budget to do great things.

While sitting in on an English language course taught by Proyecto Itzaes I was thrilled to see students at several different levels of skill engaged and learning about Sequioa Kings Canyon National Park in California as part of a vocabulary lesson. Proyecto Itzaes not only organizes classes (and yard sale fundraisers and other community events) in villages throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, it also provides scholarships tailored to the specific needs of the community. For example, students from villages surrounding the city of Merida may not be able to afford to attend college classes even if they have received a full ride scholarship, because the scholarships typically do not cover the cost of daily transport to and from the city, which can be prohibitive. Proyecto Itzaes recognized this need and provides supplementary funding for some of these students so they can continue their education.

I am excited to see Proyecto Itzaes continue its participation in this vibrant community in the years ahead.

They do the kinds of enrichment activities with their students that I would choose to do to enrich my son's educational experience as a parent. They involve the parents and the older kids to help out with the younger students learning experiences. It is a program I would want for my children or grandchildren.

I am an avid supporter.

I have continued to work with Proyecto Itzaes over the years, and continue to be amazed by the work they facilitate in Mexico. By bringing expertise and resources to small villages in the Yucatan, kids are able to enjoy all sorts of educational and developmental resources they otherwise might not have access to. They are amazing!

Me encanta Proyecto Itzaes porque ofrece a los niños un espacio DIFERENTE en donde pueden aprender y divertirse al mismo tiempo, tienen contacto con los libros, la tecnología, la ciencia y aprenden sobre el cuidado del medio ambiente :)

My husband and I live in Yucatan and have known Cindy for over 30 years. Thanks to her intelligence, generosity and hard work, we have seen Proyecto Itzaes grow from an idea to what it is now--a solid, wonderful organization helping village kids in the most meaningful ways and opening up opportunities for them and their families. A great group of people doing life-changing work.

Wonderful organization! They have been working with Mayan children for many years now and the positive impacts are noticeable. Proyecto Itzaes has grown substantially over the last 10 years, extending to several Mayan villages, and I hope they continue growing. The people involved are truly motivated, generous, and seek to improve the quality of life of Mayan people.

As chair of International Service for the Rotary club of Palo Alto, I have arranged for our club to do several projects with Proyecto Itzaes (PI), including hands-on visits to the villages it serves. It is doing a marvelous job of giving the young Maya children of those villages the opportunity and skills to rise above their traditional occupations o fishing and subsistence farming. Some of the students have gone on to university and into prestigious jobs, breaking what has been a class barrier and setting an example for others to follow.

I have had the pleasure of visiting the PI community centers on numerous trips to the Yucatan. Over the past decade PI has been able to expand its reach to additional villages and its programming to include things like ecology and computer skill. I have seen PI provide a vehicle for community members to take on leadership roles to facilitate PI programming in their community and its very inspiring.

Last week I had the good fortune of observing the great work being done by Proyecto Itzaes in Chicxulub Pueblo. I arrived in the village by bus and was easily able to take a tricitaxi (a motorcycle rigged to a seating box large enough to accommodate 2-3 customers) to PI's modest building of simple poured concrete painted in bright colors. The street out front was frequented by old trucks, battered bicycles, and the occasional horse. But inside, to my surprise, a group of approximately 15 very excited young children worked busily at a row of laptops! What might have looked like a place of little opportunity, turned out to be a busy enterprise giving Maya children the chance to explore the digital world. In addition to the computer class, I browsed through their library of children's books and the game room stocked with LEGOs and other educational toys. In the back yard, a palm-thatched roof created a small porch and a space for relaxation and play. I was greatly inspired by the collaborative spirit and commitment to education shown by everyone I met at Proyecto Itzaes.

Proyecto Itzaes es muy bueno porque anteriormente no habían programas así en la comunidad. Es un gran apoyo y es me da gusto que personas de fuera se interesen por ayudar a pueblos como el nuestro. Ojaló continúe este programa para que mas niños y jóvenes tengan la oportunidad de seguir estudiando y aprendan mas cosas.

Me gusta el Proyecto Itzaes porque es un espacio para aprender muchas cosas de manera didactica, a través de juegos, dibyos u diversas atiudades… sin duda Proyecto es el mejor! #TodosSomosProyectoItzaes

Hola! Hi! Solo quiero decir que el proyecto Itzaes es increíble y lo mejor de todo es ayudarlos. GRACIAS! THANK YOU! ☺

Me gusta Proyecto Itzaes porque a los niños les gusta aprender y es una satisfacción para nosotros. #ProyectoItzaesPorSiempre

Me gusta el Proyecto Itzaes porque es una manera de convivir con los niños y enseñarles un poco de lo que sabemos. (:

Project Itzaes is run by a group of individuals who are dedicated to seeing future generations create a better life in small villages in Yucatan. Education is the key to success and Project Itzaes creates wonderful programs for not just children, but adults too. They have turned a project into a community-wide mission. The communities are already starting to see the glimmer of a bright future with students in college and more on their way. In many of these small communities it is common for 6th grade to be the maximum level of education achieved. To see college graduates on the horizon is the proof that this program works and will keep working!

I stumbled onto this Nonprofit when trying to follow up on some students who were listed with another charity. This is a very thoughtfully put together program that promotes local and very smart child development to prepare the children to make a successful transition to a global economy while thriving within their their local culture. It is respectful towards and and encouraging of the local cultural strengths.

As a donor, I have particularly enjoyed the warm personal welcome and encouragement I have felt from this organization. I feel I am treated as a friend and not just a source of funding. So this is one of my favorite charities.

Another year working with PI and things keep getting better. More programs, more volunteer support, more students graduating from high school, college and beyond. PI recently began new classes, from healthy pregnancy to English to environmental programming and sports. Local community members teach PI classes and in return can continue with their educations, using the small stipends they receive. PI is a part of the Yucatan and is continuing its path of good work.

I like so many things about Proyecto Itzaes... Where do I begin? Do I begin with the fact that the Director and Founder, Cindy Wilber gives her own sweat and resources to this Proyecto on a regular basis--and has for decades? Do I talk about how Proyecto Itzaes brings so many educational and other resources to these local towns, towns with very high poverty rates. Proyecto Itzaes brings educational programs to local kids in three (I think four now) Yucatec Maya towns. PI inspires community members with topics that range from Maya Math to solar ovens to ecology to local herbs to ecology classes. What don't they offer to the local communities?! They even offer local scholarships to several students every year. They give the $100 that makes the difference between these kids attending high school--and even college. Proyecto Itzaes helps to break the cycle of poverty in these local towns--and it promotes ecological sustainability. Last thing I know Proyecto Itzaes had established three (may be four now) sites. One is in the birth place of Jose Tec Poot--a local Yucatec Maya anthropologist. I had the opportunity to volunteer to help at a couple of these sites. It filled my heart with joy to see these local kids enjoying this local resource--playing, creating, learning in an excited manner at these three (4) sites. Another unique quality of this Proyecto is that they recruit local leaders and scholarship recipients to lead and participate in teaching and offering classes. Local leaders like, Vero, lead all kinds of activities that are culturally responsive to the needs of the community. Also, they train local scholarship recipients to teach the younger kids math, science, writing, and computer skills.

If you are wondering where to donate this year or where to volunteer, do it at Proyecto Itzaes. The Director/Founder, Cindy Wilber and many other volunteers give so much of their time and their own resources to the Proyecto, because the projects inspired everyone to do that--seeing the kids' faces so happy, seeing young men and women graduating college... It is not just the multitude of individuals supporting PI, there are big, generous donors as well--like individuals and the Rotary among others. So many of the people who have volunteered are volunteers for life, because when you become involved in Proyecto Itzaes, you make new friends for life.

Teaching English at Proyecto Itzaes has given me an opportunity to closely observe the inner workings and results of this remarkable organization. The method of "learning in order to teach" is an extremley effective way to multiply the impact of the resources Proyecto Itzaes provides to its constituent communities. Students arrive in my class eager to learn, prepared to participate, and quick to help their fellow students if a question arises. When class is over many of them head into other rooms of the building to tutor other children or engage their peers in educational games or sports. Young people who have been participating in Proyecto Itzaes for many years have realistically high hopes for a bright future and demonstrate the spirit of the organization by investing their own time and knowledge back into the education of other children with great generosity and patience. The volunteer parents, grandparents, and community members who run the day to day operations of Proyecto Itzaes in each village pour a great deal of love, creativity, and energy into ensuring that every child feels welcome and inspired and entire families are engaged and learning.

Proyecto Itzaes is a wonderful, life-changing program. I was fortunate enough to experience first-hand that PI changes lives.

El proyecto para mí ha representado parte importante porque e participa en el desde los diez años primero como alumno donde fui aprendiendo conocimientos básico de computo que me ayudaron después de un tiempo ya pude participar como asesor auxiliar, después de un tiempo me hice responsable con un grupo en el siempre procuraba y aun lo sigo haciendo, tener un acercamiento con los niños como un amigo más que como un maestro o autoridad. Sin duda estando como alumno, auxiliar, y durante estos años como asesor, tomado experiencias buenas y malas que mucho me han ayudado en mi personalidad, y madurez como persona.
Es un gusto el colaborar con este lugar se me hace muy satisfactorio mirar a los niños y que siempre me saluden aun estando fuera de nuestro horario, en ocasiones los niños no se han querido ir del local porque les gusta mucho estar hay trabajando con el material, y eso hace darme cuenta que el proyecto Itzaes forma parte de mí, de mi familia, de los niños, de los asesores y de la comunidad de Ixil.
Ya estando en mi carrera universitaria el proyecto sigue siendo parte realmente importante pues cuento con el apoyo económico mensual lo que ayuda demasiado a continuar con mi educación profesional. Todos los apoyos que he recibido se los agradezco a ti Cindy a Simón y al cuerpo directivo del proyecto Itzaes, por estar al pendiente de mí y de mi familia

Mi nombre es Mariza Andrea Canto Ku y conoci el proyecto itzaes cuando mi mama, me llevaba a las clases, yo en ese entonces tenia alrededor de 6 o 7 años, me gustaba mucho ir pues interactuaba con otros niños de mi edad.

Cuando mi mama se convierte en directora del proyecto itzaes yo paso a ser asesora, empese desde los 9 años. Actualmente tengo 14. Me gusta ayudar a los niños en las manualidades y en todas las actividades que se desarollan dentro del mismo. El proyecto me ha dejado muchas cosas buenas, y la verdad estoy muy agradesida con el proyecto itzaes.

Estudio el tercer grado de secundaria, y como siempre, estudiar lleva gatos consigo, el pasaje, las gastadas, los uniformes, los útiles escolares. Debido a esto la ecoomia de mi familia se veía afectada, puesto que se generaba un gasto extra, pero aun asi mis papas hacían todo lo posible para que nunca faltara a la escuela y pudiera tener un futuro mejor, gracias a la beca que hoy en dia recibo de parte del proyecto itzaes, me beneficia mucho, puesto que ya no hay que sacar mucho dinero de la economía familiar, con esa beca, puedo comprar mis útiles escolares y todas las cosas que yo necesite.

Quiero agradecer a todas esas personas que donan sin esperar algo cambio, ellos son angeles en la tierra, puesto que ayudan a mas personas sin esperar algo a cambio,

gracias a todas esas personas que donan y que nos ayudan que chicas y chicos como yo puedan terminar sus estudios.

Invito a otras personas que se unan a esta noble causa que es de gran ayuda.

GRACIAS PROYECTO IITZAES Y QUE DIOS LOS BENDIGA

Mi nombre es Joany Misael Canul Ku, soy asesor del proyecto itzaes de Chicxulub Pueblo.
Hoy quisiera compartirles como el proyecto itzaes cambio mi vida y la de mi familia.
Hace un año atrás, mi papa sufrió un accidente que lo tuvo tres meses y medio en el hospital debido a esto, la situación económica se vio afectada.
Entonces la encargada del proyecto itzaes, me dijo que podía solicitar una beca a la fundación del proyecto itzaes y asi lo hice. Gracias a Dios salió autorizada la beca con la cual se han solventado parte de los gastos académicos y mis padres están más tranquilos, ya que podre continuar con mis estudios. Gracias a ustedes que apoyan al proyecto itzaes con sus donativos porque así como yo, muchos jóvenes se han ayudado para así continuar don sus estudios. Gracias a todos y cada uno de ustedes, que hacen posible que los sueños de padres e hijos se hagan realidad de ver a sus hijos con la ayuda de ustedes puedan forjarse un mejor futuro. Espero que otras personas se puedan sumar a esta noble causa, ya que como son de mucha ayuda. Si no fuera por el apoyo de ustedes creo que ahora no estaría en la escuela por falta de recursos. Gracias proyecto itzaes por cambiar mi vida y la de mi familia.

Mi nombre es Verónica Raquel Ku Escalante y conocí el proyecto tizates cuando mi hija mariza apenas tenía 7 años y yo la llevaba al PI.
A la edad de 10 años de mi hija en el año 2010 pase a formar parte del PI como encargada del mismo. Ahora ya en el año 2014 ya hemos cumplidos 5 años de estar con el proyecto itzaes ubicado en chicxulub pueblo. He estado platicando con las mamas de los niños y ellas están muy contentas de que el PI haya llegado a esta población de chicxulub pueblo porque enseñan hábitos buenos a los niños como los son la lectura y la computación.
Están muy agradecidas con todas las personas que están detrás del PI aunque no los conozcan.
A mí en lo personal, me ha dejado una bonita experiencia, trabajando con los niños y ver como mi hija agarro el habito de la lectura a la edad de 10 años. Y a ella le gusta dirigir a los niños en ejercicios. Ahora la edad de 14 años ya recibe una beca. Gracias a todas las personas de noble corazón que sin conocernos personalmente, nos ayudan gracias por apoyar al PI e invito todas las personas a donar para que más niños que apoyan al Proyecto Itzaes puedan contar con esa ayuda. DIOS LOS BENDIGA Y MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!!!!!!

Only a very few non-profits get my attention and my donation. Proyecto Itzaes is one and my most favorite. I strongly believe in their mission whereby the goal is to provide education resources and health information to thousands of Mayan children and families on the Yucatan peninsula. Everyone should support this program because it does nothing but good for all participants.

El Proyecto Itzaes en Ixil ha beneficiado a la comunidad de diversas maneras, pero en especial a los niños. Para los pequeños que aman la lectura y que disfrutan que les lean historias, tienen un espacio en el que pueden disfrutar de los libros y prestarlos, ya que pueden llevárselos para leer en sus casas. Además de esto pueden acercarse un poco más a la tecnología aprendiendo el uso de las computadoras. Se suma también más actividades que pueden realizar estando ahí, como son: dibujar, pintar cuadros, jugar juegos de mesa, trabajar material didáctico, hacer figuras de origami, armar cosas con lego, tomar asesorías de apoyo para la escuela y aprender un poco de lengua maya. Cabe mencionar que también se fomenta el deporte practicando futbol, lacrosse, basquetbol, beisbol entre otros. En general, desde ya hace varios años, los niños de Ixil saben que el Proyecto Itzaes es un espacio para ellos, en el que pueden divertirse y también aprender de una manera que disfrutan. GRACIAS PROYECTO ITZAES

en primer lugar... Gracias Proyecto Itzaes por darnos el privilegio de tenerte en la comunidad y que detras de este proyecto hay muchas personas que hacen que esto marche bien.
Lo que me gusta de este proyecto es que involucra a todas las personas sin importar edad, sin embargo la mayoria de estas son jóvenes que como sabemos en la actualidad se han ido por caminos malos y que mejor que aquí ellos se vean involucrados, se distraigan y sobre todo aprendan.
y en mi persona siendo estudiante de la Licenciatura en Educación Especial observando como los niños(as) socializan, aprenden, de igual manera me agrada ver que niños(as) con capacidades diferentes asistan.
sin mas que decir nuevamente Gracias, sobre todo por esta oportunidad de ser parte de este proyecto.

Antes que nada, quiero darles las gracias a todas a aquellas personas que se encuentran detrás de este proyecto y que no tenemos la oportunidad de darle las gracias en persona.
El proyecto itzaes empezó a formar parte de mi vida, justo en el momento que más lo necesitaba ahí puedo distraerme enseñándole a las nuevas generaciones de niños que asisten, conocimientos habilidades, técnicas, hablarles sobre la importancia de la ecología y el cuidado del medio ambiente la importancia del reciclaje pero sobre todo enseñanzas académicas que reforzaran más su desempeño escolar y los harán sobresalir y ser reconocidos tanto en la comunidad como en su vida futura.
Al formar parte de del proyecto yo siento que pertenezco a una segunda familia de personas muy buenas que nos ayudamos mutuamente pero sobre todo que sentimos su apoyo en todo momento es por ello que gracias al proyecto yo puedo seguir estudiando mi licenciatura en enfermería.
Desde hoy y siempre estaré mas que agradecido con el proyecto itzaes estaré con el hasta donde me permitan porque así de simple lo adopte como parte de mi vida.
Para despedirme quiero darle las gracias de corazón y con mucho cariño a Cindy y Simon que fueron los que me dieron la oportunidad de pertenecer e integrarme de igual modo como mencione anteriormente a todas a aquellas personas que no vemos, pero que sabemos que están detrás del proyecto a todos ustedes mil gracias.

Edgar Enrique Pech Piste, Estudiante de la licenciatura en Enfermería.
GRACIAS PROYECTO ITZAES =)

Proyecto Itzaes para mi ha sido una gran experiencia, que ha cambiado por completo mi vida y la de mi comunidad, en todos los aspectos posibles. Sin esta fundación difícilmente hubiera podido continuar con mis estudios superiores, y ahora no sería lo que soy, me transformó la vida por completo, ahora soy una estudiante de Contaduría y asesora de matemáticas de los niños del PI. Quién diría que aquella invitación de hace más de 10 años para formar parte de esta gran familia, serían las bases de lo que ahora soy. En mis casi 12 años de pertenecer a esta fundación, he visto de cerca el esfuerzo y dedicación de toda aquellas personas que están detrás de este gran proyecto para llevarlo a gran nivel. Un programa que promueve la educación de las personas que más lo necesitan a través de becas, la ecología y el cuidado del medio ambiente, el uso de técnicas para reciclar a comunidades indígenas, la conservación de la cultura y lengua maya, el aprecio a la lectura para todas las edades, entre otras cosas, hacen de este programa un programa único. Sin duda alguna, estoy orgullosa de pertenecer a Proyecto Itzaes y espero continuar para en un futuro, ya como profesional, devolver un poco de lo mucho que han dado por mí.

I first got involved with Proyecto Itzaes 12 years ago and have had the privilege of watching it grow from changing lives in one village to supporting education in five villages. PI provides a unique space in each community that allows for hands-on learning for kids and their parents (while making it fun!) that did not exist before PI. This resource and the activities that take place there reinforce the importance of community and early exposure to reading. I have watched kids grow up to pursue higher education as a result of PI.

Proyecto Itzaes is an excellent example of how to be a high impact non profit. It is managed by a highly competent people with a passion for the organization's mission. As a financial supporter who has personally observed PI's activities, I can say that its work is having a big impact on local Yucatan communities. Financial resources are used very efficiently and are well focused on the organizations mission. It is easy for me to urge others to support PI as well. Bill Gomez

Many places on this planet could benefit from using Proyecto Itzaes as a model. The seed for this project, planted by Cindy Wilbur in 1995, has grown and blossomed into a flower of literacy, education and community involvement that should travel well beyond the little Mayan village in the Yucatan Peninsula. Watching the progress on the PI Facebook page, and learning that once-illiterate children have been helped by PI to graduate from college and then come back to help others to do so tells me that the seed Cindy planted is bearing abundant fruit. Definitely a worthwhile organization.

PI is performing sustainable work in the Maya community of Yucatan. Its education programs are helping and inspiring children to pursue higher education. Support their mission!

Proyecto Itzaes provides education resources, conservation of cultural heritage, and health information for thousands of children and families living in the small coastal Mayan villages of the Yucatan. I have been a donor and friend of PI since 2004. They provide access to books, essential school and learning supplies, 21st Century technology education, life skills and generational literacy programs and services producing amazing results. Many of the youth participating in the Proyecto Itzaes program have gone on to become graduates of the University of Merida, a testament to the quality of this extraordinary program! Many graduates have returned to their villages to start careers and businesses and also to volunteer at PI "to give back, pay it forward, and help the next generation of children and improve the quality life of the village." I know every dollar I commit to Proyecto Itzaes benefits and helps to improve the quality of life for children and will improve opportunities for their future.

The work of Projecto Itzaes is extremely important and admirable! Their focus on educational resources is effective in improving the opportunities for the mayan community.

PI is an amazing organization with a devoted staff that is committed to improving the lives of Maya families in Yucatan. Please support generously!

It's been a pleasure to work with the Proyecto Itzaes team; their longtime record and passion for serving students in the Yucatan region of Mexico is impressive and inspiring .

Proyecto Itzaes deserves to be rated in the top echelons of service agencies. Their respect for the Mayan culture and family based learning is unparalleled. While I have no personal experience with the agency I have heard of their good work.

I am very pleased to be able to donate to Proyecto Itzaes. I had been looking for a nonprofit to donate to that was not too large so that I could better see the impact of my contributions. I have truly found that in Proyecto Itzaes. I have the utmost confidence in Cindy Wilber regarding her vision of this program and its effect on the people who have benefited from it. I have felt very appreciated by Cindy and I look forward to each payday when I donate. I am very excited for the opportunities that Proyecto Itzaes will provide for its recipients in the future.

Cindy Wilber,
Is an incredibly focused, driven and hard working individual who has devoted herself to this charitable organization that she single handedly founded, formed and contiues to serve. She is opening a window of opportunity to these children that would never be opened otherwise, since they live in a remote area with nearly no access to proper education. I have worked with her on a professional level with my own high risk, high need students in a California, and the compassion and creativity and committment that she demonstrated in this capacity is something that I have rarely seen in the field of education. She is extremely focused, organized and passionate about what she does and her organization deserves every bit of support that it can get, so that it can continue to focus and flourish far into the future. She is changing lives and changing the future and giving hope to these children, who live in such dire poverty.

Cindy has done an outstanding job of developing reading programs as well as helping to create economic opportunities for the local Maya. She is highly focused and spends the organizations funds carefully and wisely, getting the most from her resources.

As others have said, PI is an extremely effective organization, but perhaps more important, they are creative. The organization fosters a fruitful interaction among efforts to improve literacy, train learners to teach others, promote thoughtful health behaviors, protect ecosystems, and acknowledge the value of local culture while introducing young people to global ideas. Such efforts are normally kept separate, but PI brings them together in a way that feels organic and sustainable. Even as a donor, I am made to feel like an essential part of the effort and not just a source of cash. PI is on my list of regular donations, but for holidays and special occasions I also donate on behalf of others because I feel so strongly about its mission.

Proyecto Itzaes is an incredible organization that makes so much out of its resources. Because of its hard working and creative team and its strong local support, PI makes the most out of every donation.

PI is doing great things to highlight the science of ecology in Mayan Villages as well as promoting education. The focus on science and inclusion of scientists and graduate students into the programming is an excellent complement to literacy and education overall. PI is definitely making a difference in the communities it serves.

Since its founding PI has been devoted to improving the education of the children and families in small villages in Yucatan. This effort has broad impact on the real needs of the people being served. The principles leading the efforts of PI are strongly allied with the area and have first-name knowledge of those they've been helping. Through a strong alliance with Rotary International, as well as a committed and active board, there is also frequent hands-on involvement with the reality of life in these villages. The mission and vision of this agency have been carefully considered, heart-felt, and durable--they are strong statements of human values and commitment that if only expanded globally could make for a better world...and is doing so now, daily, in Yucatan.

Cindy Wilbur and Proyecto Itzaes are doing an important and amazing job bring books to children in Mayan villiages. By bringing books to the children PI is helping lifelong habits of reading and learning that will help themselves, their villages and humanity in general. I feel that every dollar I contribute gets maximum value. Well Done to all. EDH

I had the priviledge of participating in a few of the activities PI organizes in the villages of Yucatan. The targeted communities are in desperate need of what PI provides, a space where children can read and get excited about books, education, science and environmental issues. PI's work has helped children to stay at school and even attend University, this is a huge accomplishment in a place where it's very common to just finish primary school, if that. The PI team, Cindy and Simon, in the field, are incredilby committed to their work.

I have been watching this organization from afar and am impressed by its mission and dedication of its volunteers. By providing books and education, they stand to have a much greater impact than other similar projects providing direct services. I think this organization deserves a closer look and would love to work with them in the future.

PI is a great Non Profit that has been doing fantastic work for years ! The founder, Cindy, is committed and dedicated to the Mission and does great things

I have known Cindy, Proyecto Itzaes' founder and director, since well before she hatched this amazing endeavor in the Yucatan. She was an educator, and an author of a Spanish-English dictionary of medical terms, just two indicators of how she sought, early on, to enhance the lives of families--especially children, and enrich their initial experiences in life. Those instincts mushroomed when PI was born. The simple act of giving each child in the program a book of their own sparked a cascade of other good works, and phenomenal achievements from the children themselves. Also benefitting are the volunteers from outside Mexico, including teens from the US who have had the life-changing experience of serving clients and helping to run programs on site. This organization is a model of how to make a positive impact in a place of relative global isolation. We know that increased education and opportunity, anywhere in the world, benefits us all. Proyecto Itzaes actually makes it happen.

Cindy is an amazing and hardworking passionate individual. She pours so much of herself into Proyecto Itzaes and gets RESULTS. Not only does she raise money for the students, but she is personally involved in their community. She spends time in the Yucatan and loves every minute. The students receive some funding from Proyecto that truly changes their educational experience, often the funding is the factor that allows some to continue attending school.

I know Cindy personally and when she started this I supported her because it sounded like a worthwhile program.
I am so happy that I was in from the beginning. It has blossomed into an incredible organization which keeps expanding its programs. It has made a major impact on so many lives. I love hearing that some of these children are now finishing high school and college and giving back to their communites. Also, the fact the the families are part of it brings it altogether.
Dania

I am chair of International Service for the Rotary Club of Palo Alto. We have been so impressed with the work of Proyecto Itzaes in poor Maya villages in the Yucatán that we have done several projects with them. Before PI, the principal occupations in the villages were fishing and subsistence farming. PI introduced books, computers, better nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and even a local farmers market to attract customers from Mérida, saving farmers transportation costs. Now students are attending university and entering new occupations, but still returning to live in their villages and volunteer to teach. We can't think of a more effective program.

PI is one of the most outstanding programs in the world of nonprofits for public service due to the beneficial influence it has on Yucatán communities. Because it teaches a philosophy of self-perpetuating, self-sustaining education, it grants underdeveloped communities empowerment to create change for the benefit of everyone. PI works holistically to tackle problems centered around nutrition and health, environmental and ecological degradation, lack of sustainability, and general poverty. It emboldens individuals to rise up and pursue their dreams, and most importantly, to give back to the community. I met a PI student, Javi (Javier), when he came up to visit Stanford University to give a talk about the program. Javi is studying in college in México supported by PI and by his community. He is the first to go to college from his home and is an exceptional individual who is a stellar product of PI's success. He has the chance to pursue higher education because of PI's efforts. Talking to Javi personally I can sense how passionate he is about PI. In light of current world trends regarding environmental desecration and loss of traditional ecological knowledge (which are fields I work in) I am particularly conscious of the importance of PI's work and think what they are doing is a model system of utmost importance to the world currently.

Proyecto Itzaes is a remarkable organization run by some of the best people I know. They work tirelessly to bring educational opportunities to children in small rural towns. Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit the villages that Proyecto Itzaes is able to reach knows that they are making a huge difference.

Wonderful Organization. Take the time to view the website and have a look at all the amazing opportunities that the foundation supports.

Great organization! I would highlky recomend supporting PI any way that you can.

Proyecto Itzaes is a model for the many nonprofits struggling to improve the lives of underserved children. I have personally visited the sites PI serves in the Yucatan and seen the daily successes first hand. The afterschool programs are culturally rich offering the children an understanding of their Mayan heritage as well as exposing them to quality literature, challenging crafts, diet/health awareness and computer technology.

On my visit, I took down a doorway puppet theatre and in my lousy Spanish lead the kids in impromptu presentations. Soon I was in the audience watching and laughing at how personalities came alive when hidden from view by a couple of yards of material.

What makes this organization stand out in my mind is the commitment to involve the families. I saw parents standing under umbrellas on a weeknight in stormy weather waiting to help their children select books from the take-home library. Plus, I know that teens, who grew up with PI enrichment, return regularly as volunteers to help with the younger children.

Proyecto Itzaes positively changes lives. I‘m grateful each year for the opportunity to support such a credible and dedicated organization.

It has been a rewarding pleasure to help Proyecto Itzaes. They do great job in allowing the kids of the small towns to have access to education that they wouldn´t have otherwise. Any help and funding would be greatly increase it´s huge benefits to the kids.

What I love about PI is that you know all of the money donated is going to those in need and it really is making a difference and changing lives. Cindy Wilbur is doing an incredible job - we can all learn from her example.

I first met Cindy Wilber five years ago as a freshman in college. She opened my eyes to the world of philanthropy and non-profit service and shared with me her fervor for giving back to the world. Proyecto Itzaes embodies that passion for equity and works miracles for both the people of the Yucatan and those in the US who support it. I'm older and maybe a little wiser than I was when I first encountered Cindy's goodness, but I am no less astonished by all that PI is able to accomplish--I've now worked for bigger and better known non-profits and NGOs, and my experiences have only served to strengthen my admiration for Proyecto Itzaes. Here is one instance where donor money really goes to serve the people and never gets lost in bureaucracy or infrastructure--when Cindy says that PI is run from her kitchen table, she really means it! I know because I've sat at that very table and helped address letters...

Proyecto Itzaes is really helping the community in Mexico it serves by having the students it has trained become teachers in their villages.

I went on my first trip as a volunteer with Proyecto Itzaes a few months ago and loved it. What I liked most about this group is its grass roots nature. We were working with the residents of the Yucatan and they were doing more than their share. This assures community buy-in and that the project will be self sustaining. The people were wonderful and the kids really seemed to appreciate our help. The older projects that we visited were already providing a place for the children to go after school and giving them access to a computer lab, books, games, etc. One of the "alumni" of the system was in Law School, and he was right there with us helping to paint the building and provide mentoring for the younger children.

I first met Cindy two years ago while visiting two of P.I's sites. I met board members, volunteers and students. What most impressed me was the empowerment that P.I created within the community both academically and through a social justice perspective. This is one of the most impressive non-profits.

Proyecto Itzaes fulfills a much needed role in the Yucatan. From library books to computer literacy to varied educational opportunities, PI works hard to serve thousands of families in the Yucatan. Other projects include education about the environment, including reforestation and beach clean-up. I am the board chair of Mujeres de Maiz Opportunity Foundation and can attest to the uncountable hours, untiring effort, and total devotion to her cause that Cindy Wilber, founder and executive director of PI, invests in her organization.

Recomiendo a todos mis amigos, educadores y familiares de acercarse y colaborar con este gran proyecto educativo que expande el conocimientos de culturas de las que conocemos poco y ayudamos a su desarrollo. Músicos y compositores pueden escuchar y aprender temas indígenas tocados con instrumentos de los que tal vez conocen muy poco. Los maestros de este proyecto enseñan a los niños las canciones de sus ancestros. Enseñan también sobre las hierbas curativas, el cuidado de la tierra para hacerla producir, en fin, que en el proceso de ayudarlos, aprendemos todos. No se pierdan este proyecto ITZAES. Vale la pena. Con mi cariño, Suni Paz (educadora, cantante y compositora)

If anyone is looking to help raise money for this organization, please contact me asap. I can help with this charity. JulieLyons4@gmail.com

My wife and I have now made two volonteer trips to support Proyecto Itzaes in Yucatan. On the 1st trip, we did a lot of painting, wiring, etc., on a residence-school conversion in the village of Izil. It was particularly satisfying to see that same facility in full operation during our second trip. PI strives to provide facilities and materials for educating young children who might otherwise go unschooled, and it's clear to us that, to the extent that it gets the financial support it needs, it is fulfilling that mission very well in the rural villages around Merida. Our 2nd trip wsa a bit shorter, but we were still able to get a new classroom painted inside and out, and we're sure that room will be well used.

Para mi Proyecto Itzaes es una excelente organización dedicada a fomentar la educación, lectura, ecología y cuidado al medio ambiente en las comunidades marginadas de Yucatán México, en las cuales hay mucha gente de escasos recursos en su mayoría niños y jóvenes que necesitan apoyo para seguir adelante en sus estudios. Me siento totalmente orguyoso de formar parte del PI desde hace más de 15 años y solo puedo decir: Amo al Proyecto Itzaes!

PI is a great organization doing great things for kids in Mexico -- Please give them your support !