Student fundraising

The true challenge for teachers is sparking curiosity in young minds—an effort that requires more time and complexity than simply delivering “right answers.” Expedient education often favors memorization and obedience, resembling indoctrination more than learning. This issue isn’t limited to developing countries—it occurs wherever education is seen as a cost rather than an investment in the future.

Despite these challenges, some educators remain committed to inspiring critical thinking and creativity. 

Lucky for Natik and the Ruk’ux scholarship program, Bruce Chase is one of those types of teachers. Drawing from his corporate background, he uses dynamic Spanish classes to connect students with global issues and promote a sense of interconnectedness. 

A former Natik board member, Bruce unites his passion for agricultural fairness with educational opportunities by way of his “fair trade coffee” Spanish language unit. 

He buys fair trade coffee beans and roasts and bags the coffee locally. The students learn about the difference between Fair Trade (greater benefit to the producers) and Free Trade (greater benefit to the corporate middlemen buyers).

Then the students sell the coffee to family and friends as a fundraiser for the Ruk’ux scholarship program. 

In addition to the fundraiser, the students also connected with the scholarship students of Ruk’ux by way of exchanged videos between his students in Troy, New York and the Ruk’ux scholarship students in Santiago Atitlán! 

We love it when this type of exchange happens. Be sure to let us know if you are teacher or know of a teacher interested in exchanging with students in Guatemala or Mexico through Natik.  

The Troy Evening News Report.