Monday, February 22, 2016

2016 Project Site Visit - Coba


Today, Mundoers also traveled to Coba, about an hour bus ride from Tulum.  The town of Coba seems isolated but it has a great feel and passionate locals who are proud to live in an ancient Mayan City. We were able to see the important archaeological site and ruins that housed impressive pyramids, ball courts, temples and ancient roads.

Walking the town of Coba outside of the ruins we saw homes that incorporated ancient Mayan wall structures, small hotels, outdoor restaurants serving Mayan cuisines, a large plaza and a school.  There is a potential to partner with an organization already established in Coba working with locals citizens.

This has been a successful first project site visits for Isa Mundo and we will be assessing potential school projects in the area which will be our first in the state of Quintana Roo.  We will keep you updated on next steps and look forward to launching a project in the region.

Muchas gracias.





Friday, February 19, 2016

2016 Project Site Visit - Tulum Puebla


Isa Mundo Foundation is currently completing it's first Project Site Visit Trip of 2016.  We have decided to travel to Tulum Puebla and the town of Coba to assess potential projects in the future. Both towns are in the state of Quintana Roo

Tulum Puebla is located approximately 5KMs outside of the Tulum beach resorts and where most of the locals supporting the resort economy live and also where their businesses reside.  It is known for great restaurants, excellent Spanish schools, great plazas and to experience the day to day life of local community members and expats.

Mundoers walked every corner of the main town to see various schools and learning centres and observed challenges on accessibility of education for all of Tulum's children and youth. We were also able to visit the Tulum ruins - site of the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of the few protected by a wall. This visit will allow us to see the contrast between the town and the Mayan ruins of Coba, which we will visit in the next few days.

We will be assessing Tulum Puebla very closely as there are potential partnerships that can be established in this area that can have positive effects in the community.















Wednesday, February 3, 2016

The Key to a Strong Partnership

The year 2016 is shaping up to be a busy yet productive year for Isa Mundo based on strong partnerships. We have been asked before the secret to our success in completing projects and it always comes down to strong partners and a willingness to collaborate based on mutual goals.

In order to find strong partners - we start with our similar approach to project completion and our five stages: to consult with community members and leaders on what is needed; find individuals and/or groups with mutual objectives; assess capacity of each group and strategize to deliver a project; find a way to keep it sustainable; and repeat!

As an example, we met a couple who volunteered in Mexico in 2014 and are big supporters of the Volcanes project in the PV area. When they approached us that they are able to help bring education supplies to the Volcanes school and community, we took the opportunity to meet and discuss what they see as both the success and challenge in doing humanitarian work in the area. This was a great opportunity to learn from the experience of two long time humanitarians and also to strike a potential partnership to support future projects in PV.

Ed and Jo-Ann Grainger have seen various community projects in Mexico through their mission and volunteer work and have been gracious in sharing their experience and ideas regarding project completions and how to approach future projects in Volcanes and surrounding areas. In 2015, Ed and Jo-Ann also became formal supporters of Isa Mundo by donating funds to the foundation to carry on our work.  This is a great example of how through direct contact and involvement with the same community and schools - strangers with similar interests find common bonds to collaborate further and formalize a partnership. So in our five stage approach - meeting them accomplished both stage two and three :-)

Gracias Ed and Jo-Ann for taking the time to work with us and support our work in Mexico.