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November 2015
Dear Friends and Supporters of Escuela de Educacin Especial,
We share with you....Elena's Story....
Two short years ago, Elena, a young woman of 27 years, was curious about the school for
special education, EEE, that had recently opened its doors in her community. She learned
about the school from friends taking classes there. Because, like her friends, Elena is deaf
she explained to us in Mexican Sign Language "I was unsure how I would fit in. I was afraid
that my sign language would not be good enough". Overcoming her fear, Elena got up the
courage to ask if she might be considered for a part-time cleaning job at the school. The
school's staff were more than pleased to give Elena the opportunity and she certainly didn't
let them down. She proved herself to be conscientious and dependable and her sign
language skills were indeed good enough, in fact, more than good enough to communicate
with others. This opportunity gave Elena, for the first time in her life, the chance to earn a little
money of her own to contribute to her family.
A few months later, Elena enrolled in adult education classes at EEE with the aim of

obtaining her primary school equivalency certificate, a dream she had thought would never
materialize. For the first time she was attending literacy classes specifically designed for the
deaf and, we are happy to report, is making good progress. Elena's self-confidence and
happiness is in stark contrast to what it was when she first knocked on the school's door. It is
obvious to all those who see her smiling face every day that she has found a place where
she can come to feel valued, appreciated and be in the company of others who understand
her. The school is a special place made up of some very special people, who apart from
teaching academics, encourage all who are deaf or hard of hearing to join together in a
culture and community that is uniquely their own.
Recently EEE began offering vocational training classes to the older students to teach skills
with the view of giving these eager and ambitious young people a better chance of acquiring
future employment. It was a surprise to everyone when Elena demonstrated an amazing
talent for sewing! She had been taught to use an electric sewing machine as a young girl by
volunteers from the United States but had never put the skill to good use. In fact, Elena is
such a talented sewer that the school has offered her the paid position as a sewing
instructor to the other students. What could be better than one deaf young woman teaching
her special talent to other deaf young women?
Elena has experienced many "firsts" since coming to school and in the process has found
her calling while living her dream of attending school and improving her sign language skills.
Elena comments "I love coming to school every day".
Thank you for your generosity in supporting EEE and making these important "firsts" happen
for Elena and her fellow students. We would be happy to hear your comments and
suggestions. Please email us at info@eeesma.com
Take a moment to Visit Our Website

Bowling Fun

Dia de los Muertos

On November 1st, Day of the Dead, it is a
tradition in Mexican culture to honor and
celebrate the lives of those who have gone
before us. Students and faculty prepared
this beautiful altar to remember those from
the school whom we have lost; Nancy, our
original preschool teacher, Luisa Velte,
friend and benefactor and Herb Tolpen,
Board Trustee and supporter. Flowers and
garlands provide decoration and favorite
foods and drinks of the departed are put
out. Rather than a solemn occasion, it is
more one of joyful remembrance.

Thanks to the kind generosity of a gift given

by the Estate of Marian Perlet through
Delphine Schiavone, the students, faculty,
staff and friends were treated to an
afternoon of exercise and fun with a bowling
outing.
As you can see from the smiles, the event
was a big success! Thank you Delphine for
recognizing the importance of ensuring that
the students just get out and have a good
time! It is not only great team builder but
also improves self-confidence.

We at EEE are so very grateful to you for your support and encouragement during
the past year. At this special time, allow me on behalf of all those at the school, to
wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.
As always, we would love to hear from you or if you happen to be in San Miguel, have you
come visit the school to meet the students. Feel free to email us at info@eeesma.com
In gratitude,
John Doherty
President, Board of Trustees