“I believe that every person has the power to make a difference in the world.”

-Alina Pimentel

My name is Alina Pimentel. I was born in Mexico City. Several years ago, my family moved to the United States where currently I attend high school in Dallas, Texas. I created Aid Oaxaca with a single objective: to raise money to help fund microloans to be given to people in Oaxaca. My hope is that with the aid of microloans Oaxacans will be able to stabilize their local economy and restore Oaxaca’s rich culture. This project was jumpstarted with $600; money I raised selling jewelry I made myself. And this web site was built with the assistance of family friends who generously donated their services by helping me design, enhance and edit it. Additionally, commitments to cover future administrative costs and labor needs have already been received. All of this makes it possible for 100% of future funds raised by Aid Oaxaca to go towards funding microloans.

Oaxaca is my family’s favorite city in Mexico. The memories that I have of it come from the many summer days we’ve spent in the beautiful city. I love the Santo Domingo church, built in the 1570’s, which has been restored to its original splendor. The warm, lingering smell of fresh tortillas being made by vendors throughout the market area reminds me of the tortillas we make at home. My favorite dish, quesadillas filled with quesillo de Oaxaca, is served in many of the cozy restaurants around the plaza. Then, of course, there’s the fresh mango covered with spicy chile powder sold throughout the market. The lively atmosphere surrounds tourists as they become part of Oaxaca’s native culture during their visit. Hundreds of artisans offer their beautiful arts and crafts in the city markets and plazas. At night, the dancers, illuminated by the city’s lights, perform regional dances in the plaza for onlookers. Every corner, entry and shop offers the opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s vibrant culture. These are only a few of the special things in Oaxaca that have traditionally attracted, and with your support could continue to attract, hundreds and thousands of tourists every year.

My last trip to Oaxaca was different than all the others. Long neglected social issues had violently erupted a few months before, shattering the usual harmony and peace of the city. There was no music; there were no dancers; there were not enough customers to support the surviving market vendors, restaurants and other businesses. As evidenced by the fact that the famous hotels featured in travel magazines were practically empty, the tourists that are such an important part of Oaxaca’s economy had stopped coming. In their place was an increased number of police on the streets of the city.

The noticeable change in Oaxaca was shocking; I felt the urgency to do something to help but wondered what I could do that would truly make a difference. Then I learned of The Chiapas Project, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Though originally targeting only Chiapas (Mexico’s poorest state), The Chiapas Project’s current $3.5 million fundraising campaign further expands the opportunity of microfinance through Grameen Foundation by supporting Grameen Foundation’s Latin America Initiative which already has three programs in Mexico. Aid Oaxaca was created to raise funds to be channeled through The Chiapas Project specifically earmarked to fund microloans to needy Oaxacans through Grameen Foundation’s microfinance program. The goal of Aid Oaxaca will have been reached when tourists once again are able to enjoy the culture of Oaxaca that feeds from its skilled artisans, market vendors, and musicians.

Visit The Chiapas Project web site to learn more about the organization.

Visit the Grameen Foundation web site to learn more about Microfinance.

Thanks for supporting Aid Oaxaca!