Welcome to our blog!
Here, we share inspiring stories from our educational and community programs, where people from Costalegre find new opportunities for their future.
Arrecife de Formas
After five months of welcoming visitors into a world shaped by imagination, collaboration, and the sea, Arrecife de Formas has officially come to an end at Careyes Art Gallery. Projects like this are made possible through the support of donors who believe in the transformative power of creativity, education, and community.
A look back at Carlos Amorales’ residency and exhibition at Careyes Art Gallery
After five months of welcoming visitors into a world shaped by imagination, collaboration, and the sea, Arrecife de Formas by Carlos Amorales expo has officially come to an end at Careyes Art Gallery.
Presented as part of the Careyes Foundation Art Program, this landmark residency brought together internationally acclaimed Mexican artist Carlos Amorales and the communities of Costalegre in a creative journey inspired by the ocean’s ecosystems, stories, and enduring connection to everyday life.
Throughout 2025, Amorales led an interdisciplinary process rooted in field research, artistic exploration, and collective creation. Children, families, educators, and members of local fishing cooperatives participated in workshops that transformed observations of marine life, coastal traditions, and environmental knowledge into a vibrant body of work.
At the center of the project was the creation of a modular reef installation—a growing structure assembled through many hands and perspectives. The result was more than an exhibition: it became a shared reflection on the sea as a living archive of biodiversity, memory, and cultural identity.
The exhibition brought together these collective creations alongside new works by Amorales, offering visitors an immersive experience shaped by community participation and artistic vision. Developed with the participation of Kurimanzutto, the project also strengthened connections between Careyes and Mexico’s contemporary art landscape.
Carlos Amorales is recognized as one of Mexico’s most influential contemporary artists, with work exhibited at institutions including MoMA in New York, Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. His residency in Careyes demonstrated the power of art to create meaningful dialogue between people, place, and environment.
As we celebrate the closing of Arrecife de Formas, we also celebrate everyone who contributed to making it possible: the children, families, community members, collaborators, and visitors who helped bring this collective vision to life.
The Careyes Foundation Art Program continues to create opportunities for cultural participation through free contemporary art workshops for children and families across the Costalegre region. Projects like this are made possible through the support of donors who believe in the transformative power of creativity, education, and community.
Support future residencies, workshops, and cultural programs by making a donation today.
A Historic Achievement for the Careyes Foundation! Oxford International Certification Awards
Message from Lic. Ma del Carmen Huerta, coordinator of our Children’s English Program.
Message from Lic. Ma del Carmen Huerta, coordinator of our Children’s English Program.
On February 10, students from the Children’s English Program at Careyes Foundation took part in an international certification event with Oxford Education—a first for our communities in Costa Alegre.
It is a true pleasure to greet you from the Central Office of Foreign Languages in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Today, I had the honor of receiving the official certifications for the 6th grade students who participated in the international evaluation. It fills me with pride and happiness to see the perseverance, effort, and dedication that each of them demonstrated during their afternoon English classes.
We are extremely pleased to announce that 100% of our participating students achieved a passing result (PASS). It is important to highlight the great significance of this accomplishment, as our students are not receiving a simple certificate without validity, but rather an Official Certification from THE OXFORD TCC (Oxford Education / Education U.K.), a document with rigorous international prestige.
I return to La Huerta with a heart full of joy, with unwavering faith in our children, and with the certainty that we are building the leaders of the future.
Our sincerest gratitude goes to the parents for supporting and encouraging their children to continue studying in the afternoons. We also extend our deepest thanks to the Careyes Foundation for making this possible, and to our extraordinary team of teachers for their guidance and dedication.
Today, we celebrate that together we achieved something extraordinary!
Sincerely,
Teacher Carmen
Lic. Ma. del Carmen Huerta
Children’s English Program Coordinator
From Trash to Treasure: How a Schoolyard Compost Pile is Changing the Story of Waste
What if half of what we throw away never needed to be “waste” at all?
At the Emiliano Zapata Middle School, students are beginning to see garbage differently. Through a recent compost workshop led by the Careyes Foundation, two second-grade classes explored a powerful idea: around 50% of our household waste is organic—and completely compostable.
Spanish version below
What if half of what we throw away never needed to be “waste” at all?
At the Emiliano Zapata Middle School, students are beginning to see garbage differently. Through a recent compost workshop led by the Careyes Foundation, two second-grade classes explored a powerful idea: around 50% of our household waste is organic—and completely compostable.
After several weeks of learning about decomposition, soil health, and waste systems, the students rolled up their sleeves for the hands-on session. They arrived prepared, carrying bags of organic scraps collected from home: cucumber peels, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, orange rinds, and even cow manure. What might normally be tossed aside became the building blocks of something valuable.
Together, we built a compost pile on school grounds. Nearby, there were heaps of dry leaves—along with clear signs that leaves are often burned to “get rid of them.” This contrast sparked an important conversation. Burning organic matter releases carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Composting, on the other hand, transforms that same material into nutrient-rich soil while reducing emissions from landfills.
Compost is a simple but powerful win-win-win:
Your weekly trash bag becomes lighter—and far less smelly
Your plants grow stronger and healthier from the nutrient-rich soil produced
The planet benefits from reduced waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions
The hope is that this project doesn’t end here. That the school community might begin composting its leaves instead of burning them. That students take what they’ve learned back home and start their own compost piles. That a shift in mindset—from waste to resource—continues to grow.
Because sometimes, real change starts with something as small (and as overlooked) as a banana peel.
De Basura a Tesoro: Cómo una Composta Escolar Está Cambiando la Historia de los Residuos
¿Y si la mitad de lo que tiramos nunca tuviera que convertirse en “basura”?
En la Telesecundaria Emiliano Zapata, las y los estudiantes están comenzando a ver los residuos de una manera diferente. A través de un reciente taller de composta impartido por la Fundación Careyes, dos grupos de segundo grado exploraron una idea poderosa: alrededor del 50% de los residuos de nuestros hogares son orgánicos… y completamente compostables.
Después de varias semanas aprendiendo sobre descomposición, salud del suelo y manejo de residuos, llegó el momento de pasar a la práctica. Las y los estudiantes llegaron preparados, cargando bolsas con residuos orgánicos recolectados en sus casas: cáscaras de pepino, café molido, cáscaras de huevo trituradas, cáscaras de naranja e incluso estiércol de vaca. Lo que normalmente podría terminar en la basura se convirtió en la base de algo valioso.
Juntos construimos una composta dentro de la escuela. Cerca del lugar había montones de hojas secas, junto con señales claras de que frecuentemente se queman para “deshacerse” de ellas. Este contraste abrió una conversación importante. Quemar materia orgánica libera carbono a la atmósfera, contribuyendo al cambio climático. La composta, en cambio, transforma ese mismo material en tierra rica en nutrientes, al mismo tiempo que reduce las emisiones generadas en los rellenos sanitarios.
La composta es una solución sencilla, pero poderosa:
La bolsa de basura semanal se vuelve más ligera… y mucho menos olorosa
Las plantas crecen más fuertes y saludables gracias al suelo rico en nutrientes que se produce
El planeta se beneficia de menos residuos y menores emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero
La esperanza es que este proyecto no termine aquí. Que la comunidad escolar comience a compostar sus hojas en lugar de quemarlas. Que algunas y algunos estudiantes lleven este aprendizaje a sus hogares y comiencen su propia composta. Que siga creciendo un cambio de perspectiva: de ver “basura” a reconocer recursos.
Porque a veces, los grandes cambios comienzan con algo tan pequeño —y tan ignorado— como una cáscara de plátano.
Progress Notes: The English Language Uniting 12 Communities
At the Careyes Foundation, we believe that learning a second language is about much more than memorizing grammar; it’s about opening a window to the world. This month, we want to share how our English classes continue to transform the lives of children across 12 different communities.
At the Careyes Foundation, we believe that learning a second language is about much more than memorizing grammar; it’s about opening a window to the world. This month, we want to share how our English classes continue to transform the lives of children across 12 different communities.
Music as a Bridge
There is nothing more rewarding than walking through school hallways and hearing a chorus of: “You can count on me like 1, 2, 3...”. The videos we are sharing today show our students practicing with Bruno Mars’ hit song. Music allows them to work on their pronunciation and fluency in a natural, fun way.
A Method for Every Age
Our team of teachers works tirelessly in both our 12 primary schools and our extracurricular sessions, tailoring each lesson to be unforgettable:
Learning in Motion: Through activities like Verb Charades, students associate vocabulary with physical action, ensuring long-term retention.
Thematic Vocabulary: From the mysteries of dinosaurs and the magic of musical instruments to everyday topics like parts of the house.
Drawing the Future: Our youngest students use art to reinforce their weekly lessons, using colors to express their aspirations for what they want to be when they grow up.
The Journey Continues
This program would not be possible without the coordinated effort and energy of our teachers, who bring fresh ideas to the classrooms every week. Seeing the steady progress in these 12 communities motivates us to keep moving forward.
English in Careyes isn’t just a subject; it’s the soundtrack to a bright future. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Snakes in the Classroom: A Hands-On Workshop for the Costalegre Community
On Friday, March 13th, the Careyes Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Guadalajara and a local high school, hosted a unique and engaging workshop that brought together two of our core initiatives—Environmental Education and Risk Prevention—to address a topic that often inspires fear but deserves understanding: snakes.
On Friday, March 13th, the Careyes Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Guadalajara and a local high school, hosted a unique and engaging workshop that brought together two of our core initiatives—Environmental Education and Risk Prevention—to address a topic that often inspires fear but deserves understanding: snakes.
The workshop was led by Professor Luis Eugenio Rivera Cervantes, from the Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur campus in Autlán of the Universidad de Guadalajara, coordinator of Mexico’s largest travelling biological collection. It was held at the high school campus Módulo Hidalgo Nuevo, Preparatoria de Cihuatlán in Miguel Hidalgo Nuevo and was open to participants from across the Costalegre region.
More than 40 people attended, ranging in age from 10 to 75 years old. The diverse group reflected just how relevant this topic is for our region. Participants included elementary and high school students, parents, field workers who regularly encounter wildlife, tourism staff, NGO representatives, Protección Civil personnel, ejidatarios, recently graduated biologists, and school staff—including one local elementary school groundskeeper.
Mexico: A global center of snake diversity
Participants learned that Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and ranks #1 globally for snake diversity, with over 430 species. Although only a few of these are venomous to humans, they lend a very negative reputation to all snakes. Driven by fear and misinformation, many people kill snakes on sight. This is unfortunate because snakes play a very important role in local ecosystems.
Why Snakes Matter
As predators, snakes control populations of rodents and other small animals that can damage crops or spread disease. By regulating these populations, snakes help maintain ecological balance and indirectly support agriculture and human health.
In rural regions like the Costalegre—where forests, agricultural land, and human settlements meet—learning how to coexist safely with wildlife is essential.
Understanding Venomous Species of Jalisco
Professor Rivera explained the characteristics, behavior, and habitats of venomous species that can be found in Jalisco. We learned that while venomous, coral snakes are unaggressive and have tiny teeth that cannot puncture thick protective gloves. We learned that rattlesnakes would rather warn you off in time with their rattle and not bite. We learned that although the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake is the most venomous snake in Mexico, there are in fact no reported cases of bites, and that the most dangerous snake in Jalisco is the Cantil (Mexican moccasin, similar to a Cottonmouth), which can be aggressive and has cytotoxic–or tissue-killing–venom.
A particularly valuable part of the session involved debunking common myths—such as beliefs about aggressive snake behavior or ineffective traditional remedies for snakebites. Many of these myths can lead to disastrous decision-making, so replacing them with accurate information is crucial.
The workshop also included a demonstration of professional safety gear used for snake relocation, such as hooks, tongs, protective gloves, and secure transport containers. Participants learned how each tool works and when it should be used.
From Theory to Practice
Under the close supervision of Professor Rivera and his assistants—and using appropriate safety equipment—participants had the opportunity to practice safely manipulating and relocating live animals.
The exercise progressed gradually:
Non-venomous snakes, allowing participants to learn basic handling techniques.
A rattlesnake, introducing the additional caution required when working with venomous species.
Finally, participants practiced handling techniques for the Mexican Beaded Lizard, one of the region’s most iconic and misunderstood reptiles. This animal is actually responsible for the discovery of the active ingredient in Ozempic!
Building Knowledge That Protects People and Wildlife
By training local residents, field workers, and first responders to recognize and safely manage snake encounters, we reduce unnecessary killing of wildlife while also making communities safer.
This workshop aimed to replace fear with knowledge and practical skills—helping communities respond safely and responsibly when encountering a snake.
The Careyes Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Professor Luis Eugenio Rivera Cervantes, the local high school, and all the participants who helped make this workshop such a success.
Serpientes en el aula: Un taller práctico para la comunidad de Costalegre
El viernes 13 de marzo, la Fundación Careyes en colaboración con la Universidad de Guadalajara y el Módulo Hidalgo Nuevo organizó un taller único y dinámico que reunió dos de nuestras iniciativas principales—Educación Ambiental y Gestión de Riesgos—para abordar un tema que a menudo inspira miedo pero que merece comprensión: las serpientes.
El taller fue impartido por el profesor Luis Eugenio Rivera Cervantes, del Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur en Autlán de la Universidad de Guadalajara, coordinador de la colección biológica itinerante más grande de México. Se llevó a cabo en el campus de preparatoria Módulo Hidalgo Nuevo, Preparatoria de Cihuatlán en Miguel Hidalgo Nuevo y estuvo abierto a participantes de toda la región de la Costalegre.
Más de 40 personas asistieron, con edades que iban desde los 10 hasta los 75 años. Este grupo diverso reflejó lo relevante que es este tema para nuestra región. Entre los participantes hubo estudiantes de primaria y preparatoria, padres de familia, trabajadores del campo que se encuentran con fauna silvestre con frecuencia, personal del sector turístico, representantes de organizaciones civiles, personal de Protección Civil, ejidatarios, biólogos recién egresados y personal escolar, incluyendo al intendente de una escuela primaria local.
México: un centro global de diversidad de serpientes
Los participantes aprendieron que México es uno de los países más biodiversos del mundo y ocupa el primer lugar global en diversidad de serpientes, con más de 430 especies registradas. Aunque solo unas pocas de ellas son venenosas para los humanos, estas han contribuido a dar una reputación muy negativa a todas las serpientes.
Impulsadas por el miedo y la desinformación, muchas personas matan a las serpientes en cuanto las ven. Esto es lamentable, ya que las serpientes desempeñan un papel muy importante en los ecosistemas locales.
Por qué son importantes las serpientes
Como depredadores, las serpientes controlan poblaciones de roedores y otros animales pequeños que pueden dañar cultivos o transmitir enfermedades. Al regular estas poblaciones, las serpientes ayudan a mantener el equilibrio ecológico y apoyan indirectamente la agricultura y la salud humana.
En regiones rurales como la Costalegre—donde convergen bosques, tierras agrícolas y asentamientos humanos—aprender a coexistir de manera segura con la vida silvestre es fundamental.
Entendiendo las especies venenosas de Jalisco
El profesor Rivera explicó las características, el comportamiento y los hábitats de las especies venenosas que pueden encontrarse en Jalisco. Aprendimos que, aunque las serpientes coralillo son venenosas, no son agresivas y tienen dientes muy pequeños que no pueden perforar guantes protectores gruesos. También aprendimos que las serpientes de cascabel prefieren advertir su presencia con el sonido de su cascabel antes que morder.
Asimismo, se explicó que, aunque la Hydrophis platurus (serpiente marina de vientre amarillo) es la serpiente más venenosa de México, en realidad no existen casos documentados de mordeduras en el país. En contraste, la serpiente considerada más peligrosa en Jalisco es el Cantil también conocido como el Zolcuate, que puede ser agresivo y posee un veneno citotóxico—es decir, que destruye tejido.
Una parte particularmente valiosa de la sesión fue desmontar mitos comunes—como creencias sobre comportamientos agresivos de las serpientes o remedios tradicionales ineficaces para tratar mordeduras. Muchos de estos mitos pueden llevar a decisiones peligrosas, por lo que reemplazarlos con información precisa es fundamental.
El taller también incluyó una demostración del equipo profesional utilizado para la reubicación segura de serpientes, como ganchos, pinzas, guantes protectores y contenedores de transporte seguros. Los participantes aprendieron cómo funciona cada herramienta y cuándo debe utilizarse.
De la teoría a la práctica
Bajo la supervisión cercana del profesor Rivera y sus asistentes—y utilizando el equipo de seguridad adecuado—los participantes tuvieron la oportunidad de practicar la manipulación y reubicación segura de animales vivos.
El ejercicio avanzó de manera gradual:
Primero con serpientes no venenosas, permitiendo a los participantes aprender técnicas básicas de manejo.
Después con una serpiente de cascabel, introduciendo las precauciones adicionales necesarias al trabajar con especies venenosas.
Finalmente, los participantes practicaron técnicas de manejo con el Lagarto de Chaquira (Heloderma horridum), uno de los reptiles más icónicos y a la vez más incomprendidos de la región. ¡Este animal fue clave para el descubrimiento del principio activo que dio origen al medicamento Ozempic!
Construyendo conocimiento que protege a las personas y a la vida silvestre
Al capacitar a residentes locales, trabajadores del campo y personal de primera respuesta para reconocer y manejar de forma segura los encuentros con serpientes, se reduce la matanza innecesaria de fauna silvestre y al mismo tiempo se incrementa la seguridad de las comunidades.
Este taller buscó reemplazar el miedo con conocimiento y habilidades prácticas, ayudando a que las comunidades respondan de manera segura y responsable cuando se encuentren con una serpiente.
La Fundación Careyes extiende su más sincero agradecimiento al profesor Luis Eugenio Rivera Cervantes, al Módulo Miguel Hidalgo, y a todos los participantes que ayudaron a que este taller fuera un gran éxito.
The Careyes Opera Club: Building a Community Through Opera
In the unique cultural landscape of Costalegre, the Careyes Opera Club was created with a simple but ambitious goal: to bring opera closer to our community and to create a space where music, storytelling, and curiosity can meet.
In the unique cultural landscape of Costalegre, the Careyes Opera Club was created with a simple but ambitious goal: to bring opera closer to our community and to create a space where music, storytelling, and curiosity can meet.
Opera has always been more than music. It is a fusion of poetry, theater, orchestral color, and the human voice at its most expressive. Through the Careyes Opera Club, participants are invited to explore this rich art form together—whether they are longtime opera lovers or completely new to the genre.
Our journey began with two iconic works of Italian opera: La Traviata and Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi. These masterpieces introduced participants to the emotional intensity and melodic beauty that define much of the Italian operatic tradition. From Violetta’s tragic sacrifice to the dramatic conflict of Rigoletto, these works opened the door to discussions about music, literature, and the timeless themes that opera explores.
Encouraged by the warm reception and growing enthusiasm of participants, the club has now embarked on a new chapter: a French Opera Cycle, beginning with Charles Gounod’s Faust. Premiered in 1859 and inspired by Goethe’s famous legend, Faust tells the story of a scholar who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for youth, knowledge, and pleasure. The opera is filled with unforgettable moments, from Méphistophélès’ dark charm to Marguerite’s poignant aria “The Jewel Song.”
French opera brings its own distinctive character to the operatic tradition. Compared to Italian opera, it often places greater emphasis on orchestral color, large choral scenes, and dramatic spectacle, sometimes even incorporating ballet. Exploring these stylistic differences has added a new dimension to our conversations and listening sessions.
What has been most rewarding, however, is the sense of community that has begun to grow around the club. Each session brings thoughtful questions, lively discussions, and a shared appreciation for music and storytelling. Some participants are discovering opera for the first time, while others are reconnecting with works they already love—but everyone contributes to the experience.
The Careyes Opera Club is still young, but the response so far has been incredibly encouraging. We are grateful to everyone who has joined us on this journey and helped create a welcoming space for cultural exploration.
Making History: Careyes Foundation’s English Program Reaches an International Milestone
On February 10, an important step forward for education in our region took place. For the first time, the Children’s English Program at Careyes Foundation participated in an international certification event with Oxford Education, marking a significant moment for students, teachers, and communities across the region.
On February 10, an important step forward for education in our region took place. For the first time, the Children’s English Program at Careyes Foundation participated in an international certification event with Oxford Education, marking a significant moment for students, teachers, and communities across the region.
This milestone reflects years of dedication to providing quality English education and expanding opportunities for children growing up along the Costa Alegre.
A Day of Learning and Achievement
The certification exams were held at Escuela Primaria Emiliano Zapata (CCT 14DPR2293R), located in the community of San Mateo, Jalisco. The school graciously hosted the event and celebrated the participation of 10 of its own students, who demonstrated both dedication and strong English skills during the evaluation.
The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with excitement and pride as students took an important step toward international language certification.
Three Schools, One Shared Goal
In total, 30 students from three participating schools gathered for this important moment. Each student presented their exam to become certified through PRONI (Programa Nacional de Inglés) in partnership with Oxford Education.
The participating schools included:
Escuela Primaria Emiliano Zapata – San Mateo, Jalisco
Escuela Primaria Juan Gil Preciado – Agua Caliente, Municipality of La Huerta
Escuela Primaria Unión y Progreso – Emiliano Zapata community
Together, these schools represent a growing network committed to strengthening education in rural communities.
Welcoming Oxford Education to the Community
The day was made even more special by the presence of evaluators from Oxford Education, who traveled to the region to administer the certification exams in person.
Seeing students approach this challenge with confidence and enthusiasm was a powerful reminder of the impact that consistent learning, teacher support, and community involvement can have on young minds.
Although the official results are still pending, simply reaching this stage already represents a remarkable achievement for the students and their families.
“We are making history. Seeing our children compete and certify under international standards proves that talent has no borders when there is support and dedication.”
Opening Doors for the Future
For many of these students, this experience represents far more than an exam. It is an opportunity to connect with the wider world and to develop skills that can open doors to future education and professional paths.
Through the Children’s English Program, Careyes Foundation continues working to ensure that English becomes a meaningful tool for opportunity and growth across the communities of Costa Alegre.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the school principals, teachers, parents, and especially to the students whose courage and commitment made this moment possible.
The journey continues—and this is only the beginning.
Creating Safe Spaces: Empowering Girls Through Sexual Education and Self-Esteem
How a community-based workshop at Casa de la Cultura is fostering knowledge, confidence, and informed decision-making for girls in Emiliano Zapata and Francisco Villa
How a community-based workshop at Casa de la Cultura is fostering knowledge, confidence, and informed decision-making for girls in Emiliano Zapata and Francisco Villa
On January 29, 2026, Careyes Foundation held the first Sexual Education and Self-Esteem class at Casa de la Cultura, welcoming 11 girls between the ages of 10 and 17 from the communities of Emiliano Zapata and Francisco Villa. This session marked the beginning of a structured effort to provide accurate information, guidance, and a safe environment for girls navigating a critical stage of adolescence.
During the one-hour workshop, participants explored essential topics including sexual education, self-esteem, self-care, physical and emotional changes during adolescence, and the normalization of menstruation. A key focus of the session was reinforcing that menstruation is a natural biological process and should never be a source of shame. Creating an atmosphere of trust allowed the girls to ask questions openly and engage in meaningful dialogue about their experiences.
The session was led with the support of a volunteer nurse who provided professional, age-appropriate explanations and ensured that the information shared was clear and responsible. Access to reliable guidance is fundamental at this stage of development, particularly in communities where misinformation or silence around these topics can lead to confusion and risk.
At the conclusion of the class, each participant received a care kit containing practical items such as a hairbrush, ponytail holders, eyebrow tweezers, a mirror, and sanitary pads. These materials were provided to encourage daily self-care, reinforce self-esteem, and equip the girls with tangible resources that support their wellbeing and dignity.
This initiative was implemented in response to situations observed within the school and community environment, underscoring the urgency of early education and prevention. By continuing these weekly sessions at Casa de la Cultura in Emiliano Zapata, Careyes Foundation aims to reduce the risk of adolescent pregnancy, promote informed decision-making, and cultivate confidence rooted in knowledge. Sustained education creates safer environments, stronger choices, and brighter futures for the next generation.
Corrido tumbado as an educational bridge at the Careyes Foundation Music School
At the Careyes Foundation Music School, we believe artistic education should be in conversation with the present. Just as educator Caitlin Chew uses familiar, meaningful elements to spark curiosity and learning, we’ve found corrido tumbado to be a powerful way to connect with the musical interests of today’s children.
Listen to an educational corrido tumbado by clicking here!
At the Careyes Foundation Music School, we believe artistic education should be in conversation with the present. We’ve found corrido tumbado to be a powerful way to connect with the musical interests of today’s children.
This approach does not replace the work already rooted in Latin American music, which remains a core foundation of our program. Traditional rhythms, regional songs, and representative pieces from across Latin America continue to shape our classrooms. Corrido tumbado joins this journey as a bridge—not a substitute.
With its distinct instrumentation, sound textures, and contemporary rhythmic language, corrido tumbado is part of children’s everyday musical world. From an educational perspective, the genre is used intentionally to reinforce musical concepts such as pulse, accentuation, structure, ensemble, and expression—always paired with carefully selected, age-appropriate, and educational lyrics.
Watch the full reel of a corrido performed by students on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQUoES3j1QO/
The results have been deeply positive. Children feel seen and represented, which strengthens their engagement and opens pathways toward exploring other genres, including Latin American repertoire. This dialogue between tradition and contemporary music has enriched the learning process, fostering participation, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
At the Careyes Foundation Music School, we understand that education also means recognizing the cultural context children grow up in. By integrating corrido tumbado thoughtfully and pedagogically, we continue building a space where music is a living, diverse, and meaningful language.
Encuentro con las Aves: A birding workshop for educators
This December, the Careyes Foundation’s Environmental Education Coordinator and local primary school teacher, Claudia de Arcos, took part in a special gathering deep in the forests of Jalisco: Encuentro con las Aves, the first bird-focused workshop for teachers organized by Amigos Alados at the Las Joyas Scientific Station, within the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve.
Spanish version below
Pava Cojolita (Penelope purpurascens - Crested Guan), photo by Adrián Gutiérrez
This December, the Careyes Foundation’s Environmental Education Coordinator and local primary school teacher, Claudia de Arcos, took part in a special gathering deep in the forests of Jalisco: Encuentro con las Aves, the first bird-focused workshop for teachers organized by Amigos Alados at the Las Joyas Scientific Station, within the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve.
Surrounded by forest trails and vibrant birdlife, the two-day workshop brought together educators from Jalisco and Michoacán to learn, exchange experiences, and deepen their connection to nature. Activities included bird observation, identification, guided walks, a mist-netting demonstration, star-gazing and conversations about how to bring environmental learning into classrooms in ways that are both meaningful and accessible.
Amigos Alados is more than a bird education program. It is a binational letter-writing exchange that connects students in Mexico with students in the United States and Canada through a shared focus on migratory birds. By observing local species and exchanging letters with peers across borders, students learn about bird migration, ecosystems, and conservation — while also discovering the cultural connections that link their communities along migratory routes.
Since 2022, the Careyes Foundation has served as a bridge to bring the Amigos Alados program to our coastal communities for the first time, offering students a meaningful way to combine environmental education with English-language learning. Through birdwatching field trips, classroom workshops, and letter exchanges with international peers, students practice reading, writing, and communication in English with a real audience and clear purpose. To date, 4 local teachers and more than 75 students in our communities have participated in the program.
This year, the partnership deepened through our work with Claudia de Arcos at the primary school in Miguel Hidalgo Viejo. After showing strong interest in last year’s children’s birding workshops and field trips, we invited Claudia and her students to participate in Amigos Alados in the 2025-26 school cycle. She jumped at the chance to learn more, and her participation in Encuentro con las Aves has provided her with new tools and inspiration to strengthen environmental education in her classroom.
Mtra Claudia with Amigos Alados coordinator, Fabiola Favela (photo by Johana Rentería)
Programs like Amigos Alados show how learning can cross borders — geographically, linguistically, and culturally. By following the journeys of migratory birds, students gain a deeper understanding of conservation, strengthen their English skills, and see themselves as part of a shared ecological and human network that extends far beyond their local environment.
At the Careyes Foundation, we are grateful to Amigos Alados and to dedicated educators like Claudia, whose curiosity and commitment help us build programs where environmental awareness and education grow hand in hand.
Versión en español
Encuentro con las Aves: A birding workshop for educators
Pava Cojolita (Penelope purpurascens - Crested Guan), foto por Adrián Gutiérrez
Este diciembre, la Coordinadora de Educación Ambiental de la Fundación Careyes y maestra de primaria local, Claudia de Arcos, participó en un encuentro especial en lo profundo de los bosques de Jalisco: Encuentro con las Aves, el primer taller para docentes enfocado en aves, organizado por Amigos Alados en la Estación Científica Las Joyas, dentro de la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra de Manantlán.
Rodeado de senderos forestales y una rica diversidad de aves, el taller de dos días reunió a educadores de Jalisco y Michoacán para aprender, intercambiar experiencias y fortalecer su vínculo con la naturaleza. Las actividades incluyeron observación e identificación de aves, caminatas guiadas, una demostración de muestreo con redes de niebla, observación de lluvia de estrellas y conversaciones sobre cómo integrar el aprendizaje ambiental en el aula de formas significativas y accesibles.
Amigos Alados es más que un programa de educación sobre aves. Es un intercambio binacional de cartas que conecta a estudiantes de México con estudiantes de Estados Unidos y Canadá a través de un enfoque compartido en aves migratorias. Al observar especies locales e intercambiar cartas con compañeros de otros países, los estudiantes aprenden sobre migración, ecosistemas y conservación, al mismo tiempo que descubren los vínculos culturales que conectan a sus comunidades a lo largo de las rutas migratorias.
Mtra Claudia con la coordinadora del programa Amigos Alados en Mexico, Fabiola Favela (foto por Johana Rentería)
Desde 2022, la Fundación Careyes ha fungido como un puente para llevar el programa Amigos Alados a comunidades costeras de la Costalegre, ofreciendo a los estudiantes una forma significativa de combinar la educación ambiental con el aprendizaje del idioma inglés. A través de salidas de observación de aves, talleres en el aula y el intercambio de cartas con pares internacionales, los alumnos practican lectura, escritura y comunicación en inglés con un público real y un propósito claro. Hasta la fecha, 4 docentes locales y más de 75 estudiantes de nuestras comunidades han participado en el programa.
Este año, la colaboración se fortaleció gracias al trabajo conjunto con Claudia de Arcos en la escuela primaria de Miguel Hidalgo Viejo. Tras mostrar un gran interés en los talleres infantiles de observación de aves y las salidas de campo del año pasado, invitamos a Claudia y a sus estudiantes a participar en Amigos Alados durante el ciclo escolar 2025-26. Ella aprovechó de inmediato la oportunidad para aprender más, y su participación en Encuentro con las Aves le ha brindado nuevas herramientas e inspiración para fortalecer la educación ambiental en su aula.
Programas como Amigos Alados demuestran cómo el aprendizaje puede cruzar fronteras —geográficas, lingüísticas y culturales—. Al seguir los viajes de las aves migratorias, los estudiantes profundizan su comprensión sobre la conservación, fortalecen sus habilidades en inglés y se reconocen como parte de una red ecológica y humana compartida que se extiende mucho más allá de su entorno local.
En la Fundación Careyes, agradecemos a Amigos Alados y a educadoras comprometidas como Claudia, cuya curiosidad y dedicación nos ayudan a construir programas donde la educación y la conciencia ambiental crecen de la mano.
A Ray of Hope in the Ocean
In the world of conservation, happy endings are rare. We usually speak about losses, threats, and species in decline. But this time, at last, we get to share a win.
The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has been officially removed from the global Red List of threatened species, becoming the first —and only— sea turtle species in the world to leave it. A milestone that seemed impossible just a few decades ago.
Spanish version below
In the world of conservation, happy endings are rare. We usually speak about losses, threats, and species in decline. But this time, at last, we get to share a win.
The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has been officially removed from the global Red List of threatened species, becoming the first —and only— sea turtle species in the world to leave it. A milestone that seemed impossible just a few decades ago.
It is a triumph built slowly and by hand: the result of thousands of protected beaches, engaged communities, fishing regulations, science, volunteers, rangers, educators, and generations of people who refused to give up.
A global success… with a footnote
Amid the celebration, an important reminder remains: today’s populations are still far below their historic numbers, and not all subpopulations have recovered at the same pace.
The Pacific subpopulation that reaches our coasts is known as the Black Sea Turtle or Tortuga Prieta, and although its numbers are rising, the IUCN still classifies it as Vulnerable.
In other words: we’re on the right path, but we’re not there yet. All sea turtle species found in Mexico are still protected under federal law.
Where restoration becomes real: the Teopa Beach Sanctuary
Photo by Roberto Vargas
Along this very special stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Teopa Beach Sanctuary has become a vital refuge for sea turtles.
Here, every nesting, every protected clutch, every release of hatchlings is a small miracle —and also a reminder that recovery is never guaranteed.
Our team works day and night to:
Patrol the beach and safeguard nests from depredation or poaching
Monitor nests and record scientific data
Assist hatchlings during emergence and release
Educate local communities, schools, and visitors
Connect conservation with science, culture, and responsible tourism
This year, the global news about the Green Sea Turtle finds us in the midst of our daily work: hands in the sand, eyes on the moon phases, watching for the next track on the wet beach.
Why celebrate this “win”?
Because in conservation, victories are rare. And when they happen, we must celebrate them to remember that human action can also save, not only destroy.
The recovery of the Green Sea Turtle is proof that collective efforts work.
That protecting remote beaches is worth it.
That future generations can inherit healthier oceans.
That every nest counts.
That a committed community —like Careyes and the neighboring villages— can truly make a difference.
What comes next
Today, we celebrate.
Tomorrow, we continue working.
Because the Black Sea Turtle needs us, and because its story —still being written— can also become one of the few hopeful endings the planet so desperately needs.
From the Teopa Beach Sanctuary, we will continue caring, educating, and protecting… until all turtles have a safe ocean to return to.
Spanish version
Un rayo de esperanza en el océano
En el mundo de la conservación, las historias con finales felices son escasas. Normalmente hablamos de pérdidas, de amenazas, de especies que retroceden. Pero esta vez, por fin, podemos contar un “win”.
La tortuga marina verde (Chelonia mydas) ha sido oficialmente retirada de la Lista Roja global de especies en peligro, convirtiéndose en la primera —y única— tortuga marina del mundo en salir de ella.
Un logro que parecía imposible hace apenas unas décadas.
Es un triunfo construido a pulso: la suma de miles de playas protegidas, comunidades involucradas, regulaciones de pesca, ciencia, voluntarios, guardaparques, educadores y generaciones de personas que se negaron a rendirse.
Un éxito global… pero con nota al pie
Entre tanta celebración, hay un recordatorio importante: las poblaciones actuales siguen lejos de sus números históricos de estos reptiles, y no todas las poblaciones de esta especie han logrado recuperarse al mismo ritmo.
La subpoblación del Pacífico que llega a nuestras playas es conocida como Tortuga Prieta o Tortuga Negra.
Y aunque sus números van en aumento, la IUCN todavía la clasifica como Vulnerable.
Es decir: vamos por buen camino, pero aún no hemos llegado. Todas las tortugas marinas en México siguen protegidas bajo la ley federal.
Donde la restauración se vuelve realidad: Santuario Playa Teopa
Fotografía de Roberto Vargas
En esta costa tan especial del Pacífico mexicano, el Santuario Playa Teopa se ha convertido en un refugio vital para las tortugas marinas.
Aquí, cada anidación, cada nido protegido, cada liberación de crías es un pequeño milagro —pero también un recordatorio de que la recuperación nunca está garantizada.
Nuestro equipo trabaja de día y de noche para:
Vigilar la playa y resguardar los nidos para protegerlos de la depredación o saqueo
Monitorear nidos y registrar datos científicos
Acompañar nacimientos y liberaciones
Educar a comunidades locales, escuelas y visitantes
Conectar conservación con ciencia, cultura y turismo responsable
Este año, la noticia global de la Tortuga Verde nos encuentra en pleno trabajo diario, manos en la arena, ojos en las lunas, atentos al siguiente rastro que aparece sobre la playa húmeda.
¿Por qué celebrar este “win”?
Porque en conservación, los triunfos son raros.
Y cuando ocurren, debemos celebrarlos para recordar que la acción humana puede salvar, no solo destruir.
La recuperación de la Tortuga Verde es una prueba de que los esfuerzos colectivos funcionan.
De que vale la pena proteger playas remotas.
De que las generaciones futuras pueden heredar mares más sanos.
De que cada nido cuenta.
De que una comunidad comprometida —como la de Careyes y las comunidades vecinas— puede marcar una diferencia real.
Lo que viene
Hoy celebramos.
Mañana seguimos trabajando.
Porque la Tortuga Prieta nos necesita, y porque su historia —aún en construcción— también puede convertirse en uno de esos pocos finales felices que el planeta tanto necesita.
Desde el Santuario Playa Teopa, seguiremos cuidando, educando y protegiendo… hasta que todas las tortugas tengan un océano seguro al cual regresar.
Voces de la costa: comunidades unidas en un canto
Este verano, un proyecto musical se convirtió en puente entre comunidades, generaciones y lenguas: Voces de la Costa, un coro integrado por niñas, niños y jóvenes de Careyes, Arroyo Seco, Emiliano Zapata y Miguel Hidalgo Viejo, se unieron bajo el impulso de la escuela de música de la Fundación Careyes.
Este verano, un proyecto musical se convirtió en puente entre comunidades, generaciones y lenguas: Voces de la Costa, un coro integrado por niñas, niños y jóvenes de Careyes, Arroyo Seco, Emiliano Zapata y Miguel Hidalgo Viejo, se unieron bajo el impulso de la escuela de música de la Fundación Careyes.
Lo que comenzó como talleres corales de verano, pronto se transformó en una experiencia colectiva que desbordó entusiasmo. Ensayos cargados de energía, risas, y sobre todo, una creciente confianza en sus propias voces fueron marcando el camino.
Repertorio que abraza dos mundos
El programa incluyó piezas italianas y mexicanas, reflejando la riqueza cultural que caracteriza a Careyes. Por un lado, el célebre coro “Va, pensiero” de Verdi, himno de anhelos y libertad; por otro, la entrañable canción mexicana “Te Quiero Dijiste”, que resonó con la dulzura de la tradición popular.
El contraste entre ambas obras no fue una barrera, sino un puente: las niñas, los niños y jóvenes comprendieron que la música, venga de donde venga, habla siempre de lo mismo —esperanza, identidad y amor.
Más que música: comunidad
Cada presentación del coro fue un espacio de encuentro. Familias, maestros y vecinos se reunieron para escuchar a sus hijas e hijos cantar, descubriendo que detrás de cada ensayo había disciplina, sensibilidad y trabajo en equipo.
“Voces de la Costa” no solo formó un grupo coral, sino que fortaleció el tejido comunitario, mostrando que la música puede ser un motor de autoestima y unión.
Volunteers brave Stormy Skies to protect over 5,000 eggs: a Night with the Turtle Patrol
There’s mystery and magic in every turtle patrol. You never know what the night will bring. Sometimes it’s quiet—just a handful of nests, the steady crash of waves, and a few stars for company. And sometimes, like last Saturday, it feels like the entire ocean has conspired to deliver us a challenge.
Spanish version below
There’s mystery and magic in every turtle patrol. You never know what the night will bring. Sometimes it’s quiet—just a handful of nests, the steady crash of waves, and a few stars for company. And sometimes, like last Saturday, it feels like the entire ocean has conspired to deliver us a challenge.
It was 10 p.m. when our group of nine volunteers from Pueblo Careyes, Zapata, Arroyo Seco and even Morelos gathered for what we thought would be another tranquil training patrol. We’d already held three sessions in August to prepare for the busy months of September and October—the peak of nesting season for Olive Ridley sea turtles. But the turtles had other plans.
The night began deceptively dry, but as soon as we started driving out, a fine mist of rain began to fall. By the time we reached the parking lot, thunder rolled above us and the rain was drumming steadily on the roof of the truck. The surf was pounding so loud we could hear it before we even stepped onto the sand.
I’ll admit: the lightning flashes made me nervous. But our fearless leader, biologist Alejandro Peña, simply shrugged. “Doesn’t look too bad,” he said with a grin.
That was the first sign the night would be extraordinary.
The Beach Comes Alive
We hadn’t walked more than a few steps before we found the first nest—the tracks still fresh. A glance up the beach revealed more turtle paths crisscrossing the sand like a map of hidden treasure. It became clear: this was no ordinary night. We had stumbled into a mini “arribada”, one of those magical events when dozens of female Olive Ridleys emerge together under stormy skies.
Then came our first turtle, already covering her nest with her hind flippers and beginning her “dance”, a drawn-out ritual she performs to disguise the location of her precious eggs from any would-be predators or poachers.
We quickly fell into rhythm. Some volunteers are gifted nest-finders—a skill that, I confess, I have yet to master. Others carefully dug out the eggs, counting each one meticulously before placing them in bags. A few kept precise records, noting the exact location of each nest with a GPS, and still others carried the heavy bags of eggs and organised them into groups along the beach for later recollection. A borrowed set of radios helped us maintain communication as we spread out along the beach.
The work was wet, sandy, and—thanks to headlamp batteries that died around 2 a.m.—occasionally in near darkness. But the adrenaline and shared excitement carried us forward. Each nest felt like a victory; a future generation protected.
The Long Night’s Reward
By the time we reached the end of the beach, exhausted and wet, we had dug out 54 nests—more than we had ever managed in one patrol. So many, in fact, that the ATV needed two trips to haul them all to the hatchery.
We finally stumbled home after 3 a.m., sandy but satisfied, knowing we had been part of something remarkable–-something that might not have occurred if it weren’t for 43 years of turtle conservation efforts in Careyes.
The next morning, Alejandro shared the total count: 70 nests (6,598 eggs) laid across the turtle sanctuary. Our small team had helped safeguard over 75% of them.
Join the Effort
September and October are just getting started. As peak nesting continues, so does our need for dedicated volunteers. If you’d like to experience the thrill of a turtle patrol—wind, rain, sleepless nights, and all—we welcome you to join us. Contact Caitlin on Whatsapp at +52 322 382 5421.
Because every nest counts. And sometimes, on stormy nights, every volunteer makes a difference.
Voluntarios enfrentan cielos tormentosos para proteger más de 5,000 huevos: Una noche con la Patrulla de Tortugas
Cada patrullada de tortugas tiene algo de misterio y de magia. Nunca sabes qué te espera. A veces la playa está tranquila—solo unos cuantos nidos, el romper constante de las olas y unas cuantas estrellas acompañando. Y otras veces, como el sábado pasado, parece que todo el mar se pone de acuerdo para ponernos a prueba.
A las 10 de la noche nos reunimos nueve voluntarios de Pueblo Careyes, Zapata, Arroyo Seco e incluso de Morelos, convencidos de que sería una patrullada de entrenamiento tranquila. Ya habíamos hecho tres en agosto para prepararnos para los meses más intensos de septiembre y octubre—el pico de anidación de la tortuga golfina. Pero las tortugas tenían otros planes.
La noche empezó seca, pero en cuanto arrancamos la camioneta empezó a caer una llovizna ligera. Al llegar al estacionamiento, los truenos ya retumbaban sobre nosotros y la lluvia golpeaba fuerte el techo. El oleaje se escuchaba tan potente que lo oíamos desde antes de pisar la arena.
Confieso que los relámpagos me pusieron nervioso. Pero nuestro líder, el biólogo Alejandro Peña, ni se inmutó. “No se ve tan mal”, dijo sonriendo.
Esa fue la primera señal de que sería una noche fuera de lo común.
La playa cobra vida
Apenas dimos unos pasos cuando encontramos el primer nido—las huellas todavía frescas. Un vistazo más adelante reveló más rastros cruzando la arena como si fueran caminos secretos. Quedó claro: no era una noche cualquiera. Habíamos llegado justo a una pequeña arribada, uno de esos eventos mágicos donde decenas de golfinas salen al mismo tiempo bajo cielos tormentosos.
Al poco rato vimos nuestra primera tortuga, ya tapando su nido con las aletas traseras y haciendo su “baile”: ese ritual con el que trata de despistar a depredadores o saqueadores sobre dónde están realmente sus huevos.
El equipo agarró ritmo de inmediato. Algunos voluntarios son buenísimos para detectar nidos—una habilidad que, la verdad, todavía no domino. Otros se dedicaban a sacar los huevos con cuidado, contándolos uno por uno al meterlos en bolsas. Había quienes llevaban el registro con todo detalle, apuntando la ubicación exacta con GPS, y otros cargaban las bolsas pesadas para organizarlas en la playa y después recogerlas. Unos radios prestados nos ayudaron a coordinarnos a lo largo del recorrido.
El trabajo estaba mojado, lleno de arena y—para colmo, cuando las baterías de las lámparas se agotaron alrededor de las 2 a.m.—a ratos en penumbras. Pero la adrenalina y la emoción compartida nos empujaban a seguir. Cada nido era una victoria; una generación futura protegida.
La recompensa de la larga noche
Al llegar al final de la playa, cansados y empapados, habíamos rescatado 54 nidos—más que nunca en una sola patrulla por nuestro equipo. Tantos, que la cuatrimoto tuvo que hacer dos viajes para llevarlos todos al vivero.
Regresamos a casa pasadas las 3 de la mañana, llenos de arena pero con una enorme satisfacción. Sabíamos que habíamos sido parte de algo memorable—algo que no sería posible sin los 43 años de trabajo de conservación de tortugas en Careyes.
A la mañana siguiente, Alejandro compartió el conteo total: 70 nidos (6,598 huevos) depositados en el santuario. Nuestro pequeño grupo había ayudado a proteger más del 75% de ellos.
Por qué importa
Noches como esta son la razón por la que entrenamos, por la que patrullamos, por la que desvelamos. Cada nido de golfina puede tener alrededor de 100 huevos. Cada uno con la posibilidad de convertirse en una cría que corre hacia el mar. Y cada hembra que logra llegar a la adultez regresará, diez años después, a anidar en la misma playa—dando a esta especie en peligro la oportunidad de recuperarse.
Al proteger 54 nidos en una sola noche, nuestro equipo de voluntarios ayudó a darle esa oportunidad a más de 5,000 tortuguitas.
Súmate al esfuerzo
Septiembre y octubre apenas comienzan. Conforme avanza la temporada de anidación, también crece la necesidad de voluntarios comprometidos. Si quieres vivir la experiencia de una patrulla de tortugas—viento, lluvia, desvelos y todo—te invitamos a sumarte.
Contacta a Caitlin por WhatsApp al +52 322 382 5421.
Porque cada nido cuenta. Y a veces, en noches tormentosas, cada voluntario hace la diferencia.
A look back on the 2024-2025 school year
At the Careyes Foundation, we strive to offer programs that equip young minds with the tools to unlock brighter futures—fostering curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to their environment, all while supporting the development of vibrant, sustainable communities. Join us in celebrating the achievements of the past school year, as we prepare for the next year to come.
What do you remember from your early educational years? What experiences were the most formative? A school field trip to a park or zoo? An art or music workshop? Perhaps it was an immersive language class by an inspiring teacher that planted the seeds for bilingualism. At the Careyes Foundation, we strive to offer programs that equip young minds with the tools to unlock brighter futures—fostering curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to their environment, all while supporting the development of vibrant, sustainable communities. Join us in celebrating the achievements of the past school year, as we prepare for the next year to come.
Throughout 1,570 hours of English instruction across 12 rural primary schools, we combined the National English Curriculum materials with active breaks and music to offer dynamic and engaging classes aligned with state and national standards. Our English students said:
“I don’t like to write…[but] I liked writing letters to students in other schools. Before, I didn’t know the months in English, now it’s easier to say them!”
- 5th grader
“I liked the singing and dancing, we had a lot of fun” - 4th grader
“I liked the games, now I know a little more English” - 6th grader
We employed two new local English teachers in the early professional stage of their careers, both of whom are on the path to becoming nationally-certified teachers.
In early 2025, we organized our first local ecofair, Cuidemos a la Costa, where over 400 kids and teens learned about their natural surroundings and how to care for them from featured speakers and through interactive exhibits and activities from 14 different participating organizations. We also held our second annual Environmental Rally where local kids and parents from five communities had to resolve environmental challenges at stations run by 8 different organizations.
We changed young hearts and minds with respect to sea turtle and bird conservation, and empowered adolescents to promote conservation in their communities. Students who openly shared that they enjoyed eating sea turtle eggs were sworn in as Sea Turtle Guardians while visiting our sanctuary, making a commitment to educate their friends and families about the importance of conserving these endangered species. Others who wanted a pet parrot learned how buying parrots from illegal street vendors is a leading cause of their endangered status.
We promoted creativity and self-expression through art and music with our weekly in-school choir classes and two artist residencies. One hundred and thirty children across six communities received over 200 hours of programming in total. Through music, our students not only increased their technical skills and self esteem, they also journeyed across cultures and identities, learning songs in Italian, English, Chinese and Maori.
Mexican-American artist Eduardo Sarabia led workshops for 40 children embracing drawing, storytelling, and creation. Mexican artist Carlos Amorales collaborated with a local biologist of Sierra a Mar to blend conservation education with art through coral reef workshops and modular sculpture.
Through a series of mini-workshops offered as part of our Disaster Preparedness and Response Program, we focused on preparing communities and building resilience against natural disasters. Learn more on our blog! In collaboration with Civil Defense, we provided first aid and emergency procedure training, as well as maintaining essential equipment like generators and chainsaws, ensuring that communities are ready in times of crisis.
Meanwhile, our Robotics Club continued to broaden horizons and expand opportunities for 15 students with hands-on learning in STEM.
We thank all our donors and volunteers for making these results possible. Your continued support will enable us to sustain this educational and enriching programming for our communities. Join us—donate today and be part of building a more sustainable and inspired future.
Un ciclo que se cierra… y una nueva vida que comienza
Desde la Fundación Careyes, queremos compartir la gran felicidad que representa para nosotros estar presentes en los cierres de ciclo escolar 2024–2025. Ha sido un privilegio acompañar a nuestras y nuestros alumnos y sus familias en este momento tan significativo. Verlos culminar una etapa más en sus vidas escolares no es un final, ¡sino el emocionante comienzo de una nueva vida llena de retos, aprendizajes y sueños por alcanzar!
Cierre de ciclo escolar 2024-2025
English version below
Desde la Fundación Careyes, queremos compartir la gran felicidad que representa para nosotros estar presentes en los cierres de ciclo escolar 2024–2025. Ha sido un privilegio acompañar a nuestras y nuestros alumnos y sus familias en este momento tan significativo. Verlos culminar una etapa más en sus vidas escolares no es un final, ¡sino el emocionante comienzo de una nueva vida llena de retos, aprendizajes y sueños por alcanzar!
En las 12 comunidades donde trabajamos, y en nuestras clases de Inglés, hemos visto a cientos de niños dar pasos firmes hacia su futuro.
La Fundación Careyes nos sentimos orgullosos de ser parte de este camino. ¡Felicidades, generación 2019–2025! El mundo es suyo.
English version
A Chapter ends, and a new journey begins
End of the 2024-2025 school year
At the Careyes Foundation, we’re filled with joy to have been part of the 2024–2025 school year as it comes to an end. It’s been an honor to stand beside our students and their families during such a meaningful time. Watching them complete this stage of their education isn’t an ending—it’s the exciting start of a new chapter full of challenges, growth, and dreams waiting to come true!
In the 12 communities where we work, and through our English classes, we’ve seen hundreds of children take confident steps toward their future.
We’re proud to walk this path with them.
Congratulations to the Class of 2019–2025—the world is yours!
La música como herramienta para la educación ambiental: 'Tortugas Marinas'
Nuestra coordinadora de educación ambiental, Caitlin Chew, estaba en plena preparación para dar una charla sobre tortugas marinas en la escuela Unión y Progreso, en la comunidad de Emiliano Zapata. Con su proyector, un juego didáctico de cartas, y mucha ilusión, se acomodaba frente a los niños cuando una pequeña se le acercó con una seriedad encantadora.
Cantando para la conservación
Nuestra coordinadora de educación ambiental, Caitlin Chew, estaba en plena preparación para dar una charla sobre tortugas marinas en la escuela Unión y Progreso, en la comunidad de Emiliano Zapata. Con su proyector, un juego didáctico de cartas, y mucha ilusión, se acomodaba frente a los niños cuando una pequeña se le acercó con una seriedad encantadora.
—¿Sabías que la tortuga Carey está protegida por la ley? —le dijo, con una sonrisa que mezclaba orgullo y picardía.
Caitlin sonrió con complicidad.
—Sí, lo sabía —le respondió.
Pero la niña no se detuvo ahí.
—¿Y sabías que la tortuga Laúd es más grande que tú?
Caitlin volvió a sonreír, ahora con sorpresa. No tanto por el dato (que, claro, ya sabía), sino porque esas frases le eran muy familiares. ¡Eran parte de la letra de una canción que ella misma había escrito años atrás!
Una canción creada precisamente para eso: enseñar, emocionar y conectar a los niños con las tortugas marinas. En ese momento mágico, el aprendizaje había cobrado vida, y Caitlin se encontró frente a la evidencia más hermosa de que el mensaje había llegado.
En Careyes Foundation creemos profundamente que los mejores resultados se logran a través de la enseñanza multidisciplinaria. Usamos la música para enseñar inglés, el teatro para abrir diálogos sobre bienestar familiar, el dibujo para fomentar la atención plena… y el canto para inspirar amor y respeto por la naturaleza.
Nuestro querido profesor Alex Medina ha enseñado esta canción sobre tortugas a los diferentes coros infantiles de nuestra escuela de música, y recientemente los coros de Arroyo Seco y Chamela se unieron para grabar una versión especial: el himno no oficial (pero muy sentido) de la fundación.
🎶 Escucha "Tortugas Marinas" y déjate llevar por esta melodía que ya vive en los corazones de nuestras comunidades.
💚 Únete a nuestra misión de proteger el medio ambiente… con ritmo, alegría y mucho corazón.
Music as a tool for environmental education: ‘Marine Turtles’
Singing for conservation
English version
Our environmental education coordinator, Caitlin Chew, was setting up to give a talk on sea turtles at Unión y Progreso school in the community of Emiliano Zapata. With her projector, an engaging card game, and a lot of excitement, she was getting ready in front of the children when a little girl approached her with a charming seriousness.
“Did you know the Hawksbill turtle is protected by law?” the girl asked, with a smile that blended pride and mischief.
Caitlin smiled knowingly.
“Yes, I did,” she replied.
But the girl wasn’t done.
“And did you know the Leatherback turtle is bigger than you?”
Caitlin smiled again—this time with surprise. Not because of the fact (which, of course, she already knew), but because those exact phrases sounded very familiar. They were lyrics from a song she had written years ago!
A song created for this very purpose: to teach, inspire, and connect children with sea turtles. In that magical moment, learning had come to life—and Caitlin was face to face with the most beautiful proof that the message had landed.
At the Careyes Foundation, we firmly believe that the best outcomes are achieved through multidisciplinary teaching. We use music to teach English, theater to open up conversations about family wellness, painting to foster mindfulness… and singing to spark love and respect for nature.
Our beloved teacher Alex Medina has taught this sea turtle song to the children’s choirs in our music school. Recently, the choirs from Arroyo Seco and Chamela joined together to record a special version: the unofficial (but deeply heartfelt) anthem of the foundation.
🎶 Listen to “Tortugas Marinas” and let yourself be carried away by this melody that already lives in the hearts of our communities.
💚 Join our mission to protect the environment—with rhythm, joy, and a whole lot of heart.
Celebrating World Oceans Day with young scientists in Pérula
This year, students participating in the international program Científicos de la Basura (Litter Scientists Network), in collaboration with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, are implementing the project “Viajeros del Oceano” (Ocean Travelers), a study of the marine organisms that colonize marine trash that washes up along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
This year, students participating in the international program Científicos de la Basura (Litter Scientists Network), in collaboration with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, are implementing the project “Viajeros del Oceano” (Ocean Travelers), a study of the marine organisms that colonize marine trash that washes up along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. From bryozoans to gooseneck barnacles (a culinary specialty!), there is a whole world of creatures - called epibionts - that specialize in attaching themselves to and growing on structures in the ocean. Anything in the ocean, from sea turtles and whales, to boats and piers, to floating plastic - is potential habitat for these creatures.
Students from the Telesecundaría Luis García de Quevedo in Punta Pérula are implementing rigorous methodology to compare results with other school groups internationally. After collecting debris on the beach, students separated, categorized and classified the trash and any epibionts found on the items. Those items with epibionts will next be sent to the Universidad del Mar Marine Invertebrate Laboratory in Oaxaca for further analysis.
Why does it matter? Floating trash can become a vector, transporting invasive species to new ecosystems and upsetting the previously established balance of life. This has serious economic impacts - the estimated total cost of invasive species worldwide is $1.288 trillion over the past 50 years (National Invasive Species Information Center).
Marine debris colonized by bryozoans, the most common type of epibiont found in this study.
The presence of epibionts is also a clear indicator that the debris have spent an extended period of time at sea. This tells us a lot about ocean currents and the origins of beach trash. Previous studies done through the Litter Scientists Network have shown that along the coast of Mexico, less than 10% of litter on the beach comes from other places.
Conversely, in Central American countries such as Nicaragua, over 50% of the trash is transported from other countries and deposited by marine currents. Our preliminary results back up these findings, with just a small portion of our samples colonized by epibionts. This is actually positive news for Mexico; because the litter on our beaches is mostly local, cleaning up our beaches is very much in our hands!
A sea turtle found on a beach north of Pérula with a plastic ring around its neck, reminding us all of what’s at stake if we don’t implement solutions to plastic pollution. Photo credit: Israel Llamas González
Based on the findings of their scientific investigation, students are then challenged to design and implement prevention and mitigation projects to reduce pollution in their community. Previous participants created and distributed educational brochures, created Tiktok videos about overconsumption, taught a class on recycling to 4th-6th graders, created and installed receptacles for cigarette butts, and built a recycling container from plastic bottles. What will this year’s participants come up with?
Antes de que llegue la lluvia
Si paseas una tarde cualquiera de mayo por una de las doce comunidades donde trabaja la Fundación Careyes, podrías encontrarte con un grupo de niños sentados en silencio, mirando con atención la pantalla improvisada en el salón comunal. En la pantalla, un video muestra cómo preparar un botiquín de emergencia. Verías como un niño levanta la mano y afirma con seguridad: “Mi abuela no sabía eso. Se lo voy a enseñar cuando llegue a casa.”
Sembrando la cultura de prevención en Costalegre
English version below.
Si paseas una tarde cualquiera de mayo por una de las doce comunidades donde trabaja la Fundación Careyes, podrías encontrarte con un grupo de niños sentados en silencio, mirando con atención la pantalla improvisada en el salón comunal. En la pantalla, un video muestra cómo preparar un botiquín de emergencia. Verías como un niño levanta la mano y afirma con seguridad: “Mi abuela no sabía eso. Se lo voy a enseñar cuando llegue a casa.”
Ese momento, simple pero poderoso, resume el espíritu de nuestras Pláticas de Respuesta a Desastres.
Cada año, en coordinación con líderes comunitarios y docentes locales, llevamos a cabo una serie de talleres en las comunidades de la Costalegre. Adaptamos el contenido según la realidad de cada localidad: algunas sufren inundaciones, otras enfrentan tormentas tropicales o incluso huracanes. A través de materiales audiovisuales accesibles —como videos prácticos y películas con mensajes afines—, niños, jóvenes y adultos aprenden no sólo a prepararse, sino a responder con calma y claridad ante lo inesperado.
Hablamos de cómo armar un botiquín de primeros auxilios, qué hacer (y qué no hacer) en caso de tormenta, cómo cuidar a los más vulnerables, y cómo organizarse en comunidad cuando la naturaleza impone su fuerza. Al final de cada video, hacemos preguntas sencillas para que cada participante no solo recuerde, sino incorpore el conocimiento.
Lo que parecía una charla más, se ha convertido en algo más profundo: una red viva de cuidado mutuo. Escuchar a niños explicar con entusiasmo qué hacer si se corta la luz o cómo proteger a sus mascotas durante una tormenta nos confirma que estamos sembrando algo duradero. Más allá de la prevención, estamos cultivando confianza, autoestima, y sobre todo, comunidad.
Porque la educación en prevención no se trata solo de sobrevivir. Se trata de vivir con dignidad y conciencia, de saber que incluso los más pequeños pueden ser protagonistas del cambio.
En Careyes, el arte, la naturaleza y la comunidad se entrelazan. Pero también, la prevención. Y este tejido necesita de todos. Tu apoyo nos permite continuar llevando estos conocimientos a más rincones de la Costalegre, sembrando seguridad donde antes había incertidumbre, y esperanza donde antes solo había riesgo.
Hoy, tú también puedes ayudar.
Todos —sin importar dónde vivamos— estamos expuestos a los efectos del cambio climático y los desastres naturales. Pero en la Costaalegre, muchas comunidades aún no tienen las herramientas básicas para protegerse.
Dona hoy y forma parte del programa de formación en prevención de desastres que transforma la vida de niñas, niños y familias enteras, o escríbenos para conocer cómo participar, involucrarte o colaborar con este esfuerzo colectivo.
La preparación salva vidas. La comunidad las transforma.
Before the storm hits
Planting the seeds of preparedness in Costalegre
If you take a walk on an ordinary May afternoon through one of the twelve communities where the Careyes Foundation works, you might come across a group of children sitting quietly, eyes fixed on an improvised screen in the community hall. On the screen, a video shows how to prepare an emergency kit. You’d see a child raise his hand and confidently say, “My grandma didn’t know that. I’m going to teach her when I get home.”
That simple yet powerful moment captures the spirit of our Disaster Preparedness Talks.
Every year, in coordination with local leaders and educators, we organize a series of workshops throughout the Costalegre. The content is tailored to each community’s reality. Some are vulnerable to flooding, while others are vulnerable to tropical storms or hurricanes. Through engaging and accessible audiovisual materials, including short videos and carefully selected films, we teach children, youth, and adults not only how to prepare but also how to respond with clarity and calm in moments of crisis.
We cover how to build a basic first-aid kit, what to do (and not do) during a storm, how to care for vulnerable family members, and how to organize as a community when nature asserts its strength. At the end of each video, we ask a few simple questions, turning passive watching into active learning.
What started as just another educational session has grown into something more profound: a living network of mutual care. Hearing children explain how to stay safe in the event of a power outage or how to protect pets during a hurricane confirms that we are planting something lasting. More than prevention, we are nurturing confidence, awareness, and, most importantly, community.
Disaster preparedness is not just about surviving; it’s about living with dignity and knowing that even the youngest voices can lead the way toward resilience.
Here in Careyes, art, nature, and community are deeply intertwined. And now, so is prevention. However, this work requires the collective effort of all of us. Your support enables us to share this vital knowledge with more families across the region, planting safety where once there was uncertainty and hope where there was risk.
You Can Be Part of This Effort
Regardless of where we live, we are all exposed to the growing risks of climate change and natural disasters.
But in the Costalegre region, many communities still lack access to the most basic tools for protection.
Donate today and support the expansion of our disaster preparedness program—empowering children and families with the knowledge that could save lives.
Or reach out to learn how you can get involved, volunteer, or collaborate with this growing movement of care and education.
Preparedness saves lives. Community transforms them.
Uncovering Hidden Wings
Bird education in the field isn’t always about high-tech gear. Sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences happen when you return to the basics—binoculars, a bird guide, and the wonder of nature.
A memorable discovery on the Cuixmala River
Bird education in the field isn’t always about high-tech gear. Sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences happen when you return to the basics—binoculars, a bird guide, and the wonder of nature.
Last week, on one of our monthly outings with our local Birding Club, part of the Careyes Foundation’s Environmental Education Program, we set out along the Cuixmala River with a group of eager young birders. This time, our Environmental Education Coordinator had—once again—forgotten the camera with the powerful zoom lens donated by the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. But as any seasoned birder will tell you, the days you leave your camera behind are often the days nature delivers her greatest surprises.
“Remember the last time you forgot the camera? We saw 50 species!” laughed Oswaldo, one of our most enthusiastic students.
The wetlands were teeming with life. Despite it being the dry season in the Costalegre, the river’s edges were alive with a rainbow of species: Roseate Spoonbills glowing pink in the morning sun, stealthy Green Herons, elegant Black-Necked Stilts, and clusters of snowy White Egrets. Among them danced one of my personal favorites, the Jacana Norteña, comical with their oversized feet—both adults and juveniles in view.
Just as we were wrapping up, we noticed something strange skulking at the edge of the river: a low, squat bird with a stiff upright tail. “That’s not in our bird guide!” I said, pulling out the Merlin Bird ID app. It wasn’t a gallinule, as I first guessed. The mystery deepened—until we found it in the virtual guide: a Sora (Porzana carolina), a migratory bird in the elusive rail family.
Oswaldo looked crestfallen. He’s been religiously checking off every bird in our quick guide, and was dissapointed that this new species didn't mean a new checkbox ticked. “You’ll have to remake this guide!” joked Isamar.
We tried to record our sighting on eBird, but a popup told us this species hadn’t been reported in the area before. We needed proof. Without the zoom lens, we did the next best thing. We aimed our phones into the binoculars and snapped a few blurry but recognizable photos. Fuzzy or not, they were enough.
A few days later, we received an email from an eBird verifier:
"Your observation has been accepted and is now an important part of the overall picture for this species… A report from an odd location (like a seasonal stream bed) benefits from the photo. Again, thanks for being an eBirder."
Moments like these are powerful reminders of why environmental education matters. Through the Careyes Foundation’s hands-on programs, young people from our local communities are becoming skilled naturalists, citizen scientists, and passionate protectors of biodiversity. They are not only learning to observe—they are contributing to global knowledge and conservation efforts.
Help Us Keep the Wings in Flight
This work is only possible thanks to the support of donors and partners like you. Your contribution helps us provide equipment, training, and transformative experiences to the next generation of environmental leaders in Costalegre.
👉 Support our Environmental Education Program today. Help young birders like Oswaldo and Isamar make more discoveries—and protect the natural wonders of our region.
SUEÑXS
Set between the jungle and the sea, SUEÑXS invited us into a space where memory, imagination, and play converge. The exhibition by Mexican-American artist Eduardo Sarabia, presented at the Careyes Foundation from December 2024 to May 2025, emerged from a residency rooted in place; attentive to the landscape, the stories it holds, and the communities that inhabit it.
Eduardo Sarabia at the Careyes Foundation
December 2024 /May 2025
Set between the jungle and the sea, SUEÑXS invited us into a space where memory, imagination, and play converge. The exhibition by Mexican-American artist Eduardo Sarabia, presented at the Careyes Foundation from December 2024 to May 2025, emerged from a residency rooted in place; attentive to the landscape, the stories it holds, and the communities that inhabit it.
During his time in Careyes, Sarabia developed a show that draws from dreams as portals to the symbolic. His sculptural language — playful, precise, and rich in cultural resonance — unfolded in a gallery nestled in the heart of the Pacific coast. Through crowns, navigation charts, floral apparitions, and silver-toned fish moving in circular formations, the exhibition traced a cosmology both personal and collective.
SUEÑXS extended beyond the gallery walls
The project included a series of workshops with children from the nearby communities of Arroyo Seco and Chamela. More than 40 young participants explored drawing, objects, and stories alongside the artist. The workshops took place in classrooms and open-air settings, allowing for a playful and intuitive approach to artistic expression, grounded in the environment that surrounds them.
For many of the children, it was a first encounter with contemporary art. One framed not as theory but as experience: tactile, open-ended, and collaborative. For Sarabia, it was a way of expanding his practice in conversation with local voices and rhythms.
As Lorena Peña Brito writes in the curatorial text: “Dreaming is accessing another dimension… a portal to memory, to what was real in the world of our bodies, and to what we made real through imagination.”
At Careyes Foundation, we view art as a vital part of community life, not a separate world, but one that touches education, culture, and the way we see ourselves. SUEÑXS embodied that vision: an exhibition as encounter, and a residency as shared process.
We thank Eduardo Sarabia for his generous contribution to this chapter of our Art Program, and to all who made it possible.