AYSO soccer jerseys for my kids in CODENI

In attempts to gain more resources for the kids I work with here in GDL. Check it out: http://inmenlo.com/2012/01/30/devon-davey-and-ayso-region-109-team-to-get-soccer-gear-to-young-players-in-guadalajara/

Devon Davey and AYSO Region 109 team to get soccer gear to young players in Guadalajara

by LINDA HUBBARD GULKER on JANUARY 30, 2012
IN FACES OF ATHERTON,NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS,SPORTS

If you travel to Guadalajara, Mexico and happen to see kids playing soccer, you may do a double take. Don’t those jerseys look familiar?

Thanks to efforts coordinated by Devon Davey (second from right), who grew up in Atherton and is now doing Master’s degree field work for the nonprofit organization Codeni in the Mexican city, the soccer uniforms and other gear are being donated by AYSO Region 109, based in Menlo Park.

“We are delighted to support Codeni in their mission to ensure the well-being and development of the youth they work with,” said Michael Molano, Regional Commissioner of AYSO Region 109. “Most children who play in Region 109 are fortunate to have access to world-class soccer gear and facilities, and it is an important life-lesson for these children to share their resources with those who do not have the same opportunities.”

Devon’s interest in social justice issues was first kindled when she was at Menlo-Atherton High School. “With a student body as diverse from race to socio-economic situations as at M-A, it was a great environment to learn about social issues and get involved,” she said.

She got a degree in International Studies with a focus on politics and culture in Latin America at the University of San Francisco. She started her master’s program in 2010 learning the academics and is now putting theories into practice. “I planned and coordinated my seven-month practicum experience based on my interests in human rights, youth, and education, as well as my experience and language abilities that coincide with Latin America,” she said.

Devon discovered Codeni online before she left for Mexico and had several Skype conversations with the organization’s Board President about Codeni’s mission and goals. Now that she’s in Guadalajara, she’s working full time and is fully integrated into the Codeni team, supporting about 120 kids and 60 families.

“I’ve worked on organizational development, developing manuals for the main operational areas (recreation, education, workshops, social work, street outreach, and psychology),” she says. “I also did an operational area evaluation based on successful and sustainable principles of working with children in street situations.”

“The jerseys that AYSO donated allow the kids to feel a part of a team and be officially recognized,” she continues. “They will be used in tournaments and informal recreation spaces the kids participate in. We are constantly looking for donations — financial and material — for our festivals, clothing and gift exchanges, recreational and play activities. Support comes in many forms; everything is welcome.”

Photos courtesy of Devon Davey

Tagged as: AYSO Region 109, Codeni

Little Idiocynracies of Daily Life in Mexico

Last week at work I went to grab a drawing book for a girl who is 8 years old and some dust fell from the book (the house is under construction) and it blew into her eye. I said blink and close your eyes to get it out- she ignored me and said "Maira me prestas tu cabello" direct translation: loan me your hair. um What! Apparently a Mexican tradition to get anything unwanted out of your eye is to rub it with hair, and hers was obviously not adequate. Super cute...of course I lent her my pony tail.

Talking with my Mexican male surgeon roommates the other night about how I have been sick with one thing or another almost the entire time that I have been here, Erik, 28 and a R4 surgeon said and the funny thing is that when I was sick you gave me medicine to feel better. Yeah, very ironic that my three doctor roommates haven't given me a prescription or consultation or anything, but I have taken care of them...typical...though noteworthy is that I don't like taking medicine hence I don't always ask for it.

A joke that the social worker told me today, which was pretty ironic since he is supposed to be empowering the kids we work with, but I laughed anyways. "Que hace un huerfano en una pizzeria?" or what is an orphan doing in a pizzeria? Give up..."pidiendo dos familiares" asking for two families (or family size pizza). Well the translation in English may not be so direct. But it was a funny bad joke.

So our house is under construction at work, Casa CODENI, and we have had workers or abaniles here for the last month running around with cement, bricks, paint and the like. Today, Friday, the kids don't come into the house and when we can into work we heard noises in the morning upstairs where the playroom is. As I listened harder and realized the workers were not where there little construction site is, we realized they were playing with the Foosball table in the playroom. It's hilarious because they are all cheering and laughing and have a great all time. Sometimes its nice to be a kid and have spaces to be creative and enjoy our right to play.

More to come...

I have had a great three weeks, they have been full of friends, family, fun and being busy. The first two weeks of December I was running around with friends and getting ready for the holidays. My parents, Mary Ellen, and Callan came during Christmas and got to experience Mexico. We headed to Manzanillo and the state of Colima for couple days of warm weather and water then came back to GDL. They took off and I headed to some amazing beached with three friends for New Years to spend a couple days near Vallarta at some virgen beaches. So this trip I went to Nayarit, and Colima along with exploring more of Jalisco. I am writing from La Primavera, a forest/park just outside of GDL with all 10 of my coworkers for four days of strategic planning...pictures to come.