In 1992, the Lake Chapala Society Student Aid Program began with six students. Today the program has 24 students (22 in university, and two in senior high school). Under Coralie Fruchier de White, the current bilingual director, LCS supports students who come from very poor families and who have maintained high grades through all their school years. Only students in advanced level grades are accepted into the program. According to Coralie, “At this stage of their lives they are convinced of the importance of having a good education in order to get good paying jobs.”
Once a year, LCS has a fundraiser for the program. Other major contributors to the program are the Skin Care Specialists who ask LCS members for donations when they receive skin cancer checkups. The money raised from the fundraiser and donations are given to students to pay their expenses for tuition, books, lab fees, bus fare, uniforms, and shoes. Room and board may also be paid, if necessary. Graduates of the program have degrees in medicine, law, architecture, teaching, computer science, engineering, business administration, international business, social work, accounting, music, criminology, nursing and marketing.
Students are referred to Coralie by their teachers, DIF, private individuals, and sometimes by graduates of the program. Coralie interviews prospective students and parents, and gets copies of their senior high diplomas grades, and other pertinent documents. Throughout the school year, students are required to regularly meet with Coralie and give her copies of their grades and school expense receipts.
Many students come from a background in which the fathers have abandoned the family. Girls are affected the most when there is no father. They need the encouragement and support of their fathers. “Once my girls get through university, they don’t need a husband to give them money. They stand on their own.” reflects Coralie. “One of my girls was so poor that when she came to my house for one of her visits she looked very sick. She said she had money only for bus fare and she was very hungry. I fed her breakfast before our meeting and gave her pocket money.”
Coralie recalls one boy whose mother died when he was 14 and his father abandoned the family shortly thereafter. For two years the young boy worked part-time, took care of his three siblings, and kept his grades high. At age 16 Coralie and the LCS Board learned of his situation. They bought food and clothing for him and his siblings. He was enrolled in the program and given a job as gardener at LCS so he could continue his studies.
Coralie is more than the program director. She is a mentor to many of her boys and girls. She gives advice, encouragement, and guidance they don’t always receive at home. “Education is so important. If only the Federal government would realize this, most of Mexico’s problems would be solved.” says Coralie. “My graduates marry later, have good paying careers, marry someone with the same educational level as their own, have fewer children, and save money.”
Coralie’s latest success is Juan Carlos Lopez Hernandez, MD. Juan has been in the program for nine years. He graduated from the University of Guadalajara with a GPA of 96 out of 100. After Juan completes his one year of social service in Jocotepec, he plans to specialize in internal medicine and cardiology.
“I’m so very proud of all my boys and girls! They have gone through so much and worked very hard. Without the support of LCS they could not continue on to higher education. My boys and girls are an example to other youngsters to follow. But there are many more students who deserve a chance to be in this program. Education is the future for Mexico. So, I cannot say enough for what LCS has provided to my deserving students. It has given invaluable support through all these years and on behalf of all these students I extend my heartfelt gratitude.” said Coralie.
Written by Sandy Feldmann
Printed by Permission of the LakeChapala Review, February 2009
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