Hidalgo ISD’s Ida Diaz Jr. High Spanish Club AUPAE (Alumnus Unidos Para Aprender Español) collected school supplies to donate to Mujer Unidas/Women Together, a shelter that provides a tranquil environment to victims of domestic violence.
The AUPAE Spanish Club was establish nineteen years ago to help promote awareness and appreciation of the Hispanic culture/world, language, music, food and so much more.
“At Diaz Jr. High, we work together to promote the advancement of the Latin community, to create awareness in our youth about community service, and the importance of higher education,” explained Sandra San Miguel, Spanish educator, founder, and Sponsor of the AUPAE Club.
Throughout the year, the club members have organized several activities to donate different items to benefit Mujeres Unidas.
Mujeres Unidas is a non-profit organization that provides a safe refuge and support services to victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. It renders its services to women, men and children seeking for a safe and peaceful environment.
When the students arrived at the shelter, they quickly learned how fortunate they were and how crucial this donation was for the individuals currently living at the agency.
“We think everyone lives like us, and that’s not the case,” said eighth-grader, Mailin Mitchell. “When we got to the shelter, it opened up my eyes and I now know that there are some people who struggle in life, a lot more than others, and not everything comes easy for everyone.”
Prior to the donation, the Spanish Club AUPAE members approached their peers at their campus to get them involved on the contribution of school supplies. Eventually word got around, and by the time they knew it, everyone came together and donated over fifty school supplies.
The AUPAE Club at Ida Diaz Jr. High has taken the initiative to assist and inspire students not only to excel in the classroom setting, but also to be productive and responsible citizens.
“Through the help of this club, I have been inspired to help and serve others,” said eighth-grader, Melanie Cabello. “I look forward in continuing to help Mujer Unidas with any future donations.”
The Spanish Club has collaborated with Mujeres Unidas many times before and hopes to continue to do so. This has not been the first donation and most definitely not the last.
“Not only do we encourage students to achieve academic excellence, but we must also impart on them a sense of caring for the less fortunate in our community,” said San Miguel, “It is through hands-on activities like these that our students develop a sense of community and get an opportunity to be involved in a real-life experience outside the classroom that brings our community and stakeholders of Hidalgo ISD together.”