Every September 15, when I hear that first “¡Viva México!” rise from thousands of throats at the same time, I still feel a piece of the kid I once was, holding my mom's hand, understanding for the first time that being Mexican means, above all, this: coming together, if only for one night a year, to shout that we're still here.

With a burst of laughter, seven-year-old Harlen jumps to her feet and races around the circle, hoping she'll make it back to her spot before being tagged. Around her, dozens of children cheer, laugh, and sprint across the courtyard at Casa Emilie. For a few joyful moments, nothing matters except the game.

First LEGO League is a program that invites children and youth ages 4 to 16 to investigate and propose creative solutions, including designing projects that benefit their communities through science and technology. During the 2023-2024 cycle, “Masterpiece,” students learned how to leverage science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to share their passion for the arts with others.

For more than two decades, Centro de Esperanza Infantil, supported financially by OYE and Canadian Friends of Oaxaca (CANFRO), has served daily meals to the students in its program. We are thrilled to announce that the meal program now includes all family members. Parents and siblings of CEI students can now share a meal in either center, Casa Jodi or Casa Emilie.