Connections made between Liga MAC facilitators and students are a regular occurrence. Witness the Zoom mentorship we discussed earlier this year between an English as a Second Language facilitator and a Liga MAC student which blossomed into ongoing online English chats. 

One-on-one tutoring can have a huge impact on a student’s grade in a particular subject. But what about life lessons? Managing online studies as we know is a challenge but add to that working to support yourself, living on your own, and learning to negotiate the pitfalls of daily life during a pandemic and you could have a recipe for failure. 

Such was the case for Norma Bracamontes, a Liga MAC Educational Support Program student in her 3rd year of the chef training and restaurant management program at ITES University in San Jose del Cabo. Norma came to San Jose from Guerrero State as a child to live with an aunt after her parents untimely death.

In order to support her new circumstances, Norma found work in an all night pharmacy. While trying to keep all the “balls” in the air, it was inevitable that something would drop and that something was her studies. She failed a baking course because there was no oven in her cuarto. Her failing grades triggered a call from Liga MAC’s Educational Support Program Co-ordinator, Karen Castro.  

At about the same time, Liga MAC’s Executive Director, Elva Haro, was re-connecting with a long time Liga MAC supporter who also happened to be from Guerrero State. At Elva’s suggestion, a meeting was arranged between Norma and Tania Suastegui.

Tania, a bright and independent business woman, came to Cabo 20 years ago from Acapulco, Guerrero and understands the importance of philanthropy. She is a business management graduate with a major in marketing and works in the real estate industry. 

Tania understood that Norma’s inexperience and reticent personality caused her to make decisions that were not in her best interest. She has been coaching Norma on ways to improve her time management; how to write a proper job resume; and, how to have the confidence to negotiate terms that will work for her. 

Recently, Norma decided to take on a roommate to make ends meet but that required that she negotiate with her landlady. With Tania’s coaching, Norma was able to reach an agreement with her landlady that also benefits Norma. In addition, armed with her new resume and some advice from Tania, Norma is interviewing for a new job that will be in her chosen field, offers transportation, and opportunities for advancement. 

Their blossoming relationship has become a “win-win-win” situation for Tania, Norma and Liga MAC. Norma views Tania’s positive and independent personality as a “bright spark that lights up [her] life”. While Tania loves to support Liga MAC because Liga MAC’s transparency means that “donors know exactly where the money goes and are informed about the programs”. 

On a personal level, Tania finds that Norma’s intelligence, drive, and humble nature make her a pleasure to work with. By gifting her time to Liga MAC and Norma, Tania is helping to shape a susceptible young woman into a responsible, productive adult.

A sellout crowd of 88 golfers together with 115 diners for the banquet following, ensured the 11th annual Knick Nac Golf Tournament was a huge success. Thanks to the organizational skills of Dick and Linda Myers and their committee and the owners and management of Querencia Private Golf and Beach Club, a total of $31,675 USD was donated to Liga MAC! Congratulations to the winners:

Just a reminder that Liga MAC has booths at both the San Jose del Cabo Organic Market and the Palmilla Organic Market and will be offering information and for a donation, Liga MAC caps, calendars and used English language books. The San Jose market takes place north of San Jose (off Avenida Centenario on Calle Centenario) on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Palmilla market takes place at the Shoppes of Palmilla on Fridays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Finally, we are sad to report that the annual Christmas Fiesta which has been a community favourite for many years will not be held again this year. As with many places, a manpower shortage has impacted our treasured event. Please read on for information about new events in the coming year.

State health authorities have established that local businesses can operate at 50% capacity and outdoor recreational events are allowed at 70% capacity. Hours for nightlife have been reduced to 1:00 am and continued mandatory use of facemasks is in place along with temperature controls, antibacterial gel use, and safe distancing practices.  

Although the variant has not been detected in BCS, government health authorities are awaiting its imminent detection as most tourism arrives from Canada and the USA where this variant has been detected. Also, the fact that Mexico does not require vaccination nor proof of a negative COVID test prior to entry, increases the risk of the variant entering our municipality. 

Random samples are being sent to InDRE (federal laboratory) for genetic testing in order to detect the presence of the Omicron variant in BCS. There has also been an increase in testing for COVID-19 with testing stations being set up for the general public with or without symptoms in order to detect asymptomatic cases. 

Vaccination of children 15-17 years of age continues and there are vaccines also being offered to those that did not get vaccinated with their age group. Demand for vaccination has increased as those who are unvaccinated fear the new variant and a potential fourth wave of cases. Although there is hope that vaccination will work with the Omicron variant, this remains to be seen as that the variant contains over 50 mutations. 

Travel advisories have changed yet again for many countries as well as testing times, vaccination requirements, and bans. Please review your countries requirements on official websites for further information. 

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