The Learning Center

©Janet Stanley 2006
On a busy, Oaxacan street, just around the corner from the bustling mercado de la Merced, there is a small storefront operation with a sign that says El Centro de Aprendizaje (The Learning Center). It has an unprepossessing facade and hundreds of pedestrians pass it every day with no idea of the small, daily miracles that are going on inside.

Visitors to Oaxaca are delighted by the color and culture they find. They love the food and everlasting springtime climate. But they are often overwhelmed by the poverty that is encountered on almost every street corner. It is perplexing to try to grasp all of the problems that surround the poor people of this part of Mexico.

The Learning Center has decided that it will make a difference one young person at a time. Enabling students of limited means to continue their education is their priority. In order to accomplish this they must be flexible and innovative.

The storefront part of the center is a classroom where, every day, there are tutors available to help high school students who are having difficulties with any subject. While several people are getting help with chemistry, another might be taking a computer typing course. Seated alongside, others might be researching a term paper using the Internet. Helping young people who cannot receive help from parents and family, for whatever reason, is part of what is done here. But The Learning Center is much more.

Many young people must leave their homes in the pueblos of Oaxaca in order to continue school beyond ninth grade. They come to the city because there is no higher education available locally. Gary Titus of The Learning Center explains: “Typically people from the country don’t know anything more than life in the country. They are very competent and capable in their own surroundings, but they come to the city and are lost. They don’t have a clue about what kinds of jobs are available or how to go about continuing their education. They just assume further education is not possible for them because they have no money and no idea how to overcome this. One of the things we do is work on this issue.”

Bob Anyon, a volunteer at the center, adds: “We talk about this all the time. People don’t know what they don’t know. One of the important things that the center does is to share its combined experiences. The people that work here come from similar backgrounds as the students who are looking for help. They share what they have learned.”

The Learning Center is staffed by young people that are the success stories. All are now either university graduates or students. They are giving back the help that was given to them when they needed it. The staff wrote their own mission statement, the first part of which says:

“We are a non-profit organization for young people. We promote education and share experiences in order to achieve academic and personal development
for students with limited income.”

Since formally opening their door in March 2005 The Learning Center has helped students find jobs, investigate schools and decide on workable careers. They give work-study stipends and help find available grant money. They sponsor and find room and board for the young people who arrive from outlying pueblos. They tutor difficult school subjects. Most importantly, they listen and understand the needs of each individual young person. They help analyze each one’s situation and assist in turning their stumbling blocks into opportunities. Titus says, “Every person comes with a different situation and viewpoint. Each one has their own strengths. We just help them identify what they are”.

This year the center is hoping to reach many more students. They are striving to spread the knowledge that help is available. Working through personal recommendations of the community and targeting high school teachers they hope to grow to their full capacity of working with 20 students a day. Counseling, tutoring, listening and understanding as each small miracle emerges and doors are opened for the young people of Oaxaca.
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The Learning Center is set up in a way that generates an income stream to help sustain it. There are rooms and an apartment available to rent to visitors who come to Oaxaca. The rooms are bright and clean. Each has its own bath and access to a comfortable common patio area. Breakfast is included in the price of the rooms but not the apartment as it has its own kitchen. The money paid in rent goes to support The Learning Center and is vital to its operation.

If you have friends or families that are planning a trip to Oaxaca please consider recommending to them the Bed & Breakfast at The Learning Center.

They are also looking for volunteers to assist them in many ways. Everyone has something to offer. If you can spare a few hours a week please contact them at: 515-0122. Murguia 703, Centro, Oaxaca

At this time they are especially in need of computers. If you have one to donate please consider The Learning Center.

Of course, cash donations are always welcome. You can contribute directly, help sponsor a student or pay the stipend of a tutor.

For more information visit The Learning Center website at: www.learningcenteroaxaca.com