WELCOME TO OJALÁ NIÑOS
Ojalá Niños provides children of all ages in the Otomí indigenous rural community of San Miguel Viejo with free daily classes in the arts, music, literacy, health, environment, computer technology, social consciousness, and ethics, among many other essential and delightful activities.
The program offers alternative educational opportunities five afternoons a week, year-round, at no charge. We provide space, materials, ideas, and guidance as the principal focus for turning curiosity into exploration, discovery, and learning. We emphasize the importance of public service and social justice to stimulate critical thinking, self-confidence, and equitable work ethics.
These skills prepare the children of Ojalá Niños to participate in local, national, and international economic systems.
Our professional volunteers and partner organizations provide special projects, training, and field trips that greatly expand children's awareness beyond what they see daily. This expanded view of the world prepares each child to understand the planet's complex issues and make informed decisions in their best interest and that of future generations.
"I don't teach my students. I give them a place to learn!"
-Albert Einstein
OUR VALUES
Opportunity
We believe that opportunity happens through learning, experiences, role modeling, and exposure. We are committed to providing children, their parents, and staff opportunities through supporting growth and development; opening doors to new possibilities.
Inclusion
We are committed to fostering a culture of integrity throughout the organization, from the board to the classroom. We will promote integrity by teaching and modeling the five fundamental values of integrity; responsibility, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and honesty.
A Fun, Safe Place of Learning
We believe learning should be fun! Children learn best through play and exploration in a safe environment. We believe in every child’s ability to unlock their potential, and that teachers are guides, supporting each child’s unique development in this world. We believe that Ojalá's learning model creates socially conscious community members leading to a better world.
Integrity
We are committed to fostering a culture of integrity throughout the organization, from the board to the classroom. We will promote integrity by teaching and modeling the five fundamental values of integrity; responsibility, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and honesty.
OUR APPROACH
Curiosity is the engine for learning is in all beings. From the first days of life, this force leads to exploration, discovery, and learning.
CURIOSITY
In our earliest days, curiosity required safety-oriented guidance from older beings. In traditional education, that guidance is called "teaching" and usually implies a subtle authority over the learner. In the inspired-learning model, freedom allows learners to exercise curiosity.
SOCRATIC DIALOGUE
The art of questioning and conversing.
The most learned amongst us engage in this process, but it is also a delightful exercise with young children! The human mind becomes immediately engaged when asked questions. It is like a light switch. “What do you think?” “What do you see?” “What did you hear?” Simple questions produce profound thoughts that resonate with the learner. Dialogue requires two voices but can expand to include a group conversing about a question posed. Discussion is always lively and inspires the desire for more such experiences.
THE CIRCLE
Has been the physical form of human interaction throughout human history.
Our ancestors did not sit in rows to talk with each other, to think about collective problem-solving, to hear a lecture, or to view a performance. The circle was the symbol of their interdependence. We still sit ‘around’ a table to share meals and for meetings—so some ancestral memories still play out for us.
When children or learners of any age sit in a circle or move in a circle, everyone is vigilant because they are seeing everyone else and experiencing a collective energy. Minds are engaged, and there is an eagerness to express opinions, feelings, or thoughts that are forming. It’s easy to listen to the views of others – and participate!
