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The Palapa Society- Enriching the Present, Empowering the Future

by | Oct 25, 2019

When you visit the beautiful town of Todos Santos you are immediately drawn into the historic buildings, the friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the colorful shops, and the great food.

While you are enjoying the charm and wonder of the historic past there is an organization that is serving the present needs and empowering the future of Todos Santos. The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. is focused on enhancing the lives of the residents and creating the leaders of tomorrow.  

It all started over 15 years ago with a simple plan to help students with scholarships. This quickly evolved to include providing English classes for local children and adults, and an afterschool Art program as well. Then, with the growing accumulation of books donated by part-time residents and visitors, a bilingual community library was started.

With early support from the community The Palapa Society began to thrive. In 2015, a local Todos Santos resident, working with Palapa Society’s partner ICF, provided a substantial donation to build the new Palapa Learning Center campus. The Campus includes: the Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska community library for adults and children, afterschool program classrooms, and the SEP-certified middle school and high school which offer the best of progressive and innovative learning experiences and a host of extra-curricular clubs from art to leadership and science to soccer.

The Palapa Learning Center is about providing experiences that create lasting change in the lives of young people and their families, that in turn impact the community. For example, Lidia Lopez graduated with her license in Architecture with the support of The Palapa Society Beca (scholarship) program. A few years later, she became Project Manager for the construction of The Palapa Learning Center. In July, one of our Palapa School students, Paola Leggs, was selected as a recipient of the American Fields Service scholarship. Paola will have the opportunity to study technology in Egypt for a month.

As a visitor to Todos Santos, you can join in and be a part of this lasting legacy. Visit the library and schedule a tour of the Palapa Learning Center. Take home a 2020/21 Artists of Todos Santos Calendar (featuring premier local artists) or join the Kick Off Party at Todos Santos Brewing on November 16th. The upcoming annual events include the Carrera de Todos Santos 5K run in December, the Todos Santos Open Studio tour in February, and the Historic Home Tour in March. Sign up for The Palapa Society monthly newsletter to stay up to speed on all that is going on at www.palapasociety.org  

Feeling generous? Your contribution can make a difference. Donate online at www.palapasociety.org/donate or in-person by contacting us at http://info@palapasociety.org.

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