EEESMA School for the Deaf

"The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves."

Helen Keller


A New Year,

A Greater Dream!!



Hello Sharon,


Wishing you a Happy New Year from all at EEESMA School for the Deaf!


This is the time, when the rush of Christmas activities is over, that we at EEESMA reassess what we did last year and reimagine what we can make happen in the new year. Our plans are bold; including beginning the process of acquiring our own school premises and establishing the San Miguel de Allende Centre for Deaf Culture. As 2025 moves forward and these dreams take shape, we will keep you in the loop.


Enrolment continues to grow, with a new student Diego 10 years old, and two others commencing the enrolment process and due to start later this month. All three, like the other children before them, are without sign language therefore have no way to communicate.


Teacher training continues to be a priority. We can all agree that better trained teachers make for better students. We invite you to read more below.


Because of your generous support, the Giving Tuesday and Matching Funds campaigns held in December were a great success. US$5,000 was raised through Global Giving and over C$31,000 through Amistad Canada. Congratulations! Our sincerest thank you to all who generously participated. With an annual operating budget of over US$140K and growing, fundraising is critically important and increasingly challenging. Your help allows us to continue to offer many highly beneficial educational and developmental programs to our students and their families, including sign language instruction for parents.


To help you to stay connected with the community we serve, please visit our website at www.eeesma.com and sign up for this, our quarterly newsletter. Your unwavering support fuels our endeavors and empowers our students to reach new heights.


With sincere appreciation,

on behalf of the Board of Directors,

John Doherty

Training Teachers is One of the Most Impactful Ways

to Improve Student Outcomes

Between January 7th-9th, a group of 20 deaf education professionals and interpretors from around the state of Guanajuato participated in the 3 day course "Train the Teacher" presentedby EEESMA School for the Deaf.

As part of the course, teaching consultant Elizabeth from Mexico City, shares her knowledge of Math Strategies with EEESMA teachers and younger students.


Beatriz and Daniel of IAPPS Mexico City providing instruction for

Bi-lingual Strategies in

Deaf Ed and Classroom Management.

The Train the Teacher Project is funded by an

International Rotary Grant

Thank you Rotary friends!




Here's why:

1. Enhanced Teaching Skills

When teachers receive training, they gain new strategies and tools to make learning more engaging and effective. Well-trained teachers can adapt their methods to suit diverse learning styles, making lessons more accessible and enjoyable for all students.

2. Understanding Individual Needs

Professional development often includes training in identifying and addressing individual student needs, especially for children with unique challenges like those who are Deaf. This allows teachers to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

3. Boosted Teacher Confidence

Confidence in their abilities allows teachers to lead the classroom with energy and enthusiasm, inspiring students to approach learning with the same attitude.

4. Current Best Practices

Educational methods evolve, and training ensures teachers stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices. This benefits students by exposing them to innovative, proven approaches.


5. Improved Classroom Mgmt.

Training helps teachers develop strong classroom management skills, creating an environment that minimizes distractions and maximizes learning opportunities.

6. Encouraging Lifelong Learning

A teacher who continues to learn models the value of lifelong education. Students who see this are more likely to adopt a similar mindset, fostering curiosity and a love for learning.

7. Better Communication

For teachers working with Deaf students in sign language, assistive technologies, and cultural competency leads to stronger connections and understanding, directly improving student learning experiences.



When teachers are equipped to bring their best to the classroom, students benefit with richer, more tailored educational experiences. In turn, this creates a cycle of empowerment, where students achieve more and develop confidence in their abilities.



Pastorela, Posada & Piñatas


The holiday season is most often focused on joy and sharing. It was especially true this year for the kids at EEESMA.

The students took the opportunity to celebrate Mexican Christmas traditions with their fellow classmates in a way that is most familiar and inclusive to them. Whether it was decorating the tree, participating in themed arts & crafts, practicing and performing the Posada & Pastorela or smashing Piñatas with their siblings and friends, the students had fun doing it and doing it together!!

A big "Gracias" to the Director, teachers and staff for all their hard work in organizing it all and to the students' families for creating the great costumes.

Running is Funning!

December 3rd marked the International Day of People with Disabilities in San Miguel de Allende. It was the First Race for Inclusion where more than 100 boys, girls and young people took part in the event. Our EEESMA School for the Deaf primary and middle school students participated with great enthusiasm!


We are very proud to belong! #deafpridesma #DíaDeLasPersonasConDiscapacidad



December also brought a visit from Santa Claus to celebrate the December birthdays. Thanks for making the day so special Santa!

You Can Be a

Student Scholarship Sponsor

You could play a big role in a child's development by offering to sponsor his/her education at EEESMA School for the Deaf. Remember, there is no government funding.


For as little as US$100/month or CDN$120/month, consider being that "special someone" helping to provide a youngster's education. Your help is guaranteed to change a life.


Please click on the Global Giving or the Amistad Canada button below to learn more about how to set up recurring monthly donations to support a student.


Or if you prefer email Sharon at sharondoherty008@gmail.com to learn more about the individual students needing sponsorship.

Robbie Burns Supper Fundraiser- Join Us in San Miguel de Allende

Get ready to have a hoot and a holler at the 4th Annual Robbie Burns Supper, a special fundraising evening in support of education for Deaf kids. This is your chance to make a difference while having a whisky-soaked, music-filled, laughter-packed night to remember!

 What’s in store? 

 -A divine 3-course meal by the renowned Chef Donnie Masterton and his talented team (yes, there’s haggis!)

 -Copious amounts of wine and whiskey included

 -Fantastic entertainment, from live music to a sing-along and, of course, our mighty duty bagpiper

 -Toasts and poetry to honor the great bard himself

Don’t wait—get your tickets now! Whether you’re a proud Scot or just one for the night, this is the perfect way to toast to Robbie Burns. 

Kilts optional, fun guaranteed!


Together, let’s make this New Year extra special for a wonderful cause.


Click here to purchase your tickets


Cheers to an unforgettable night—see you there! 

Andrik Needs a Sponsor


Andrik, born on December 28th, 2016, resides in San Miguel with his loving family. As a dedicated student, he immerses himself in his studies while embracing the joy of developing Mexican Sign Language. Andrik effortlessly grasps new content and signs, showcasing both his intelligence and enthusiasm for communication. His gentle and affectionate personality defines him, radiating kindness in all interactions. Calm and orderly, Andrik's radiant smile is a constant presence in the classroom, reflecting his joy in both learning and playing with classmates. 

Please consider sponsoring Andrik today.

Thank you.





There are no government supported schools for the Deaf in the state of Guanajuato. Public schools offer little or no sign language instruction.

Opened in 2012, EEESMA offers kids who are Deaf a better chance in life.


We need your help to ensure EEESMA School for the Deaf continues to offer Deaf Education to children and young adults in the area.

There are no other options.


We are addressing the challenge to attract and retain well qualified teachers

with Mexican Sign Language skills by training the students themselves

to be teachers of the Deaf.


Please join us in continuing to build a great school for Deaf children.



Fundraising at EEESMA is accomplished exclusively by volunteers.



#deafeducation

#deafprideEEESMA

#signlanguage


"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Sunitha B.



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Mailing Information:


503 Hoover Street

Nelson, B.C. V1L 4X1


English Phone:

Call +1 250-999-9297


Mexico Phone:

(Country code) 52

415 -152-0588