Schools for Chiapas is an organization of grassroots activists and communities working to support the autonomous, indigenous Zapatista communities of Chiapas, Mexico. We are neither a traditional NGO (non-governmental organization) nor are we affiliated with any government, religion, or business. Schools for Chiapas was created the mid-1990’s by individuals searching for ways to make the world a better place and working to create a world where all worlds fit.
As a subsidiary of our parent organization, Grass Roots Events, Inc., Schools for Chiapas began as an effort to raise funds and support the construction of schools in the autonomous Mayan communities. We are honored to have been involved from the start in the first ever Zapatista school construction project located in the highlands civilian center of Oventic (Caracol II, Heart of the Zapatistas in Front of the World). Today Mayan children and adults throughout Chiapas work and learn in community-run, Zapatista centers that promote indigenous languages and traditions, while charting an independent path for indigenous development based on dignity, democracy, and justice. These Zapatista programs which focus on education for literacy, education for health, education for ecological agriculture and women’s empowerment have always been our inspiration!
Schools for Chiapas also supports struggles for dignity, democracy, and justice at the international level. Our international work is focused on financially supporting Zapatista educational projects and ‘The Other Campaign’, while the solidarity efforts at home emphasize educating people about the realities of autonomy and the accomplishments of this now 20-year-old movement. Our new web site provides resources and lesson plans for educators who are interested in teaching about Chiapas. We also provide speakers and educational materials for communities, schools, universities, and church groups and publish information about the worldwide movement for democracy, dignity, and justice. Schools for Chiapas also participates in campaigns to encourage activist involvement and organizes delegations that bring people to Chiapas to meet, dialogue and work alongside Zapatistas.
We invite you and your family and friends to join us and the Zapatistas in the joyful struggle to build a new and better world!