About Us
The Oaxaca Learning Center is a non-profit organization in Oaxaca,
Mexico that offers free tutoring to students between the ages
of 14 and upwards.
The students who come to the Center for assistance are usually
from small villages throughout the state of Oaxaca. Typically
they have few financial resources, often living away from their
families for the first time and struggling to adjust to city
life. Most often they have come from environments that have
not supported good study habits.
The young people come to the Center to get help in mathematics,
chemistry, physics, and Spanish. Also on offer are English language
classes and tutoring as well as computer literacy, typing, and
counseling. For many, the Center has become a home away from
home where they always feel welcome, have a place to share experiences
with other students, and seek advice from the tutors and staff.
The tutors, many of whom are alumni of the Center, are paid
a stipend for their work.
The Oaxaca Learning Center is funded by revenue gained from
the bed and breakfast and personal donations. It is centrally
located in a building bought by the founder, Gary Titus, in
2004. After massive renovations, it now consists of a classroom,
a computer room, two guest rooms
and a rooftop apartment that constitute
the B&B, office space and living space for Gary.
The staff members include a Program Coordinator, part-time accountant,
house manager and cook, and house- and garden-keeper.
Gary Titus, the founder of The Oaxaca Learning Center, is non-salaried,
acts as overseer and is always available for a chat or advice.
The Center operates year round 7 days per week.
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Nancy Feinstein, a long time friend and visitor of The Oaxaca
Learning Center, has this to say about the organization.
"The Oaxaca Learning Center is a special place, not only
because of who it serves, but by how they are served. It is
infused with a philosophy of change and possibility that balances
respect for each person’s past, with the desire to support
each to have choices about his or her future. Every program
and new plan on the Center’s horizon reflects a profound
respect for each young person’s roots."
"Deeper than the changes that often take place with only
the acquisition of skills, the Center devotes itself to supporting
young people to become self-aware, self-motivated, and self
confident. In addition to helping every student to progress
in school, the Center focuses on helping each young person learn
how to think, and how to share knowledge. The environment is
carefully created to nurture its youth."
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