friendsoflatinamerica

Delegation from Oaxaca, Mexico visits HoCoFoLA

Represantatives of Oaxacan teacher's union shared with HoCoFoLA members their goals of improving public education in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. So far they have been able to increase mandatory education from six to ten years. This came at a cost of giving up text books. Now they want the schools to provide the text books as well.

There are roughly three million people in Oaxaca who share Spanish as the official language. These three million people represent more than ten indigenous languages, among which are Mayan and Mixteca.  These languages and cultures presently are not protected by Mexican laws, as they are in neighboring Ecuador.

Below are some photos of the group.

Celebrate International Women's Day (a day early) and join us for this very special event:

WHAT: Reception for Delegation from Oaxaca, Mexico.
  This is a unique opportunity to hear about events in that community, directly from folks  who are engaged in the struggle for justice and peace under incredible repression. It is also an opportunity to show our solidarity with the people of Oaxaca. They will be in Washington, DC from March 3-8 for a hearing before the Inter American Commission on Human Rights. The delegation includes Yesica Maya, President of the Mexican League for the Defense of Human Rights in Oaxaca.
   
  WHEN: Wednesday, March 7; 6:30p.m. a simple meal (RSVP); 7:30 p.m. Presentation by members of delegation.
   
  WHERE: Home of Leslie & Steve: 6336 Sandchain Rd., Columbia, MD 21045. Ph: 410-381-4899
   
  Co-sponsored by: Howard County Friends of Latin America and the Maryland Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
   
  Thanks to Robin Alexander from United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) for letting us know about this opportunity.

Mexican prosecutor seeks arrest of ex-president

September 20, 2005

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) -- A special federal prosecutor on Monday sought the arrest of ex-President Luis Echeverria and other former officials for their alleged involvement in the massacre of student protesters in 1968.

Mexican troops cross into U.S. for hurricane relief

Mexican troops cross into U.S. for hurricane relief

Thursday September 08, 2005

By ABE LEVY

Associated Press Writer http://kutv.com/nationalwire/Katrina-Mexico-aa/resources_news_html

LAREDO, Texas (AP) A Mexican army convoy began crossing into the United States on Thursday to bring aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Carrying water treatment plants and mobile kitchens that can feed 7,000 people daily, the convoy bound for San Antonio is the first Mexican military unit to operate on U.S. soil since 1846.

The first green tractor-trailers, with Mexican flags attached to the tops of their cabs, crossed the international bridge at Laredo at about 8:15 a.m. The rest of the 45-vehicle convoy was in a staging area on the U.S. side in about 15 minutes.

The convoy will be escorted by the U.S. Army and

Wal-Mart's Plans for Indigenous Areas Under Fire

Diego Cevallos; Inter Press Service

MEXICO CITY, Aug 25 (IPS) - The U.S.-based retail giant Wal-Mart, which last year opened a store near the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids of Mexico despite loud protests from local activists and small businesses, is now seeking a repeat of its earlier victory, this time in two heavily indigenous areas. But local opponents are set for a pitched battle.