By Natalie Taylor
Ezequiel Mojica comes from the campo. He was born on a ranch in the rural community of Santas Marias, some 30 miles east of San Miguel de Allende. There is little opportunity for anyone born here, few jobs other than doing what your ancestors have done for centuries—agriculture or finding work on a ranch. The possibility of an education beyond elementary or junior high is remote.
In the 1970s what many of the residents would do was cross the border to find temporary jobs in the US. The majority would leave around April, cross the desert with the help of a coyote, and return in December, having made some money for themselves and their families. Many family members and acquaintances crossed the border up to 30 times in their lifetimes, and when Ezequiel turned 18, it was his turn. He left school and headed north, making the crossing at Brownsville, Texas. Unlike for many of his relatives, his trip to the US was a total failure. It takes a certain person to secure a decent paying job on the other side, and Ezequiel felt that he lacked those skills. All he was able to find was the lowest paying positions, such as cleaning offices. One trip was enough for him, he returned to Santas Marias and vowed never to go back
Without an education, without any special skills, he was a young man at a crossroads, headed for the worst possible outcome. One day in 1991 he happened to be in the Centro of San Miguel, and sat down on one of the iron benches in the Jardin. It is here that the story takes on the quality of a fable.
The day may have ended as it began, with him returning to Santas Marias without having found anything of interest. He may have been approached by someone offering to give him a job dealing drugs—young men like him are rife for such offers. Instead, he was touched by the magic of San Miguel when a stranger struck up a conversation with him, and then handed him a business card saying they were looking for workers. The man was part of CASA—a non-profit organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of young people through education, and health information.
The founders of CASA saw in Ezequiel someone with good communication skills, and the potential to become a coordinator for the organization. With their encouragement he finished Prepa (high school)—a bit later than others, but all in good stead—at the age of 25. While working for CASA, he also began giving Spanish lessons to foreigners, and one couple brought out an interesting suggestion—how about founding a new organization dedicated to helping people come out of poverty by providing them the means for economic self-sufficiency. From these initial thoughts, twenty five years ago, was born Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora — Support for Entrepreneurs. It is an ambitious, forward-thinking organization that works with young people on many levels. Those selected go through a multi-faceted process, to show they are serious and are capable of starting a particular business or project.
They begin with a 12-hour taller de capacitaciones—competency workshop, during which they present and analyze their project with someone knowledgeable.
They are provided with some business knowhow, including the basics of starting and running a business. If the project appears viable, they are provided with specific information and education. And finally, they may, if warranted be given a loan to start their project or business. In the 20-year existence of the organization, they have empowered some 2,800 entrepreneurs and about 650 small businesses, and provided over 200 interest-free loans in the San Miguel de Allende area.
They have a base of donors, and people who offer support to their cause, but they also like to appeal to other potential donors who may take advantage of the tax sheltering structure provided by the foundation.
The Instituto Técnico de Capacitacion, Apoyo AC, provides education and training in various disciplines, and offers advice and instruction on how to grow a business. The new entrepreneurs are encouraged to become involved in volunteer organizations which offer another venue for getting to be known in the community. The Instituto includes caregivers for women, and has 38 teachers, some of whom are salaried but many volunteers. May Apoyo continue to thrive, and may it reach other young people, just as that guardian angel who spotted Ezequiel so many years ago.
Recently the Instituto found a physical location, a space donated by Architect Rafael Franco at his Los Arcos Center on Stirling Dickinson #28.
To contact them, you may visit their website at www.facebook.com/apoyoSMA/ or reach them by email at: apoyoemprendedores@yahoo.com.mx
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