Melel Xojobal A.C.—which means “True Light” in the Tsotsil language—has been working in San Cristóbal de las Casas since 1997. The organisation helps indigenous children and youth grow through education, early childhood development programmes, and child rights awareness. At the same time, it supports families and pushes for policies that fight child labor and social exclusion.
The mobile school focuses on Tsotsil- and Tzeltal-speaking children and adolescents growing up in vulnerable conditions. Many work on the streets to contribute to their families’ income or are children of single mothers working in the informal sector. These children often face poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and discrimination based on their cultural background.
During the first week of implementation, the Melel Xojobal team was trained on the mobile school and its 280 educational learning panels by our StreetSmart trainers Jessika and Ely. After the workshops, the team took to the streets, bringing learning directly to children in public spaces such as the Mercado de los Altos del Sur. During these initial sessions, the mobile school was warmly welcomed, reaching many children and youth from indigenous communities and providing activities that highlight their talents and skills.
The new mobile school allows the team to engage children in playful, interactive learning, supporting their confidence, curiosity, and personal development. By meeting children where they are, the project helps lay the foundation for long-term educational engagement and empowerment. The partnership with Melel Xojobal is off to a fantastic start, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact unfold of our third mobile school this year!
