Residents of Izúcar de Matamoros have told Mercer faculty they lack English teachers and specialized English instruction techniques. Students often receive book-related instruction but don’t get to concentrate much on listening, pronunciation and understanding to have a conversation. The goal of Mercer On Mission in Mexico is to address the lack of resources in the public education system and provide English language support to students at Universidad Tecnológica de Izúcar de Matamoros (UTIM).
The hope is that English language skills will open doors for Izúcar de Matamoros as well as its residents. Speaking English can change the lives of children there by offering them more opportunities for their future. In addition, fluent speakers can help pave the way for future business transactions that benefit the community.
Mercer students participating in the Mercer On Mission program in Mexico will implement three educational projects. First, they will hold English workshops for undergraduate students at UTIM to help them develop their English speaking, listening, writing and reading skills. They also will hold English workshops for middle school instructors as requested by the community of Izúcar de Matamoros.
Finally, the Mercer team will teach at a STEAM summer camp for elementary and middle school students. At the camp, elementary and middle school students will improve their English language skills through the implementation of project-based learning across science, technology, engineering, arts and math. UTIM students will participate as teaching assistants to Mercer students during the summer camp.
Mercer On Mission participants also will learn about the local culture through sightseeing and cultural excursions.
