USU students, faculty help underprivileged children in Mexico
A contingency of Utah State University faculty members and graduate students of the Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education department left today to help underprivileged children near Tijuana, Mexico.
More than 100 children live in the two orphanages of Casa Hogar and Casa de Cunas. They range in age from newborn to 15 years and have either been abandoned or left by parents who simply could not afford to keep them. John Ribera, associate professor of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, learned about the children’s situation and decided he wanted to help. Other faculty and students heard of the need and joined him.
“[People] saw a need, and things have just snowballed,” Ribera said. “People seem ready and willing to help.”
The orphanages are run by four Catholic nuns who care for the children day in and day out all year round.
Ribera and the assemblage of faculty and students will partner with a Mexican physician to perform free hearing tests to children who cannot otherwise afford health care.
“In an underprivileged population, it’s more than likely we will find some middle ear problems,” Ribera said.
If this is the case, Ribera said, local doctors in nearby San Diego will provide follow-up care for the children.
“It’s not only a good experience,” said graduate student Julie Adamson, who is going with the group, “but I know the effects hearing has on children because [it] contributes to the development of speaking and learning skills. I feel good that I can be of service in some small way.”
Others in the community have also joined the effort, Ribera said. Josh Hochstettler of Smithfield has organized an Eagle Scout project to put together more than 50 lap boards for the children’s learning environment, Ribera said. Other community members have donated literacy materials, books in Spanish, lumber materials for chalkboards and money.
Ribera said donations are still needed.
Suggested donations include: financial contributions, baby spoons, diapers and diaper ointment, baby wipes, jump ropes, balls, Spanish videos and books, children’s purses, dinosaurs, barn sets, bubbles, crayons, coloring books, chalk, dolls, towels, toilet paper, Kleenex and toys.
Contributions can be brought to the Lillywhite Building across from the Edith Bowen School until May 16.