May 2008
As the Riviera Maya has developed into Mexico ’s
premier tourist destination, employment has become
more competitive and the skills and knowledge
necessary to get a job, including English and computer
skills, have increased. In response to these
challenges, F.O.P.A. has been offering educational and
vocational programs and opportunities for children and
adults in Puerto Aventuras since 1999.
Over the past eight years, hundreds of Puerto
Aventuras residents have benefited from F.O.P.A.’s
popular adult English classes. There are currently 30
students studying English for three hours a week in
five different-leveled classes. Individuals have been
able to “translate” the language skills gained in
these classes into better job opportunities.
As the world becomes more and more computer-dependent,
computer literacy has become essential in many jobs.
Although many computer schools exist in Playa del
Carmen and Cancun , these are largely inaccessible to
people who live and work in Puerto. In response to
this need, F.O.P.A. began offering computer training
courses in 2003.
Currently, there are fourteen
students who meet for four hours per week to learn
word processing and internet skills.
In addition to these classes, F.O.P.A. also supports
an after-school kids club, three hours a week of
computer club, offering free computer and internet
access for the community, a free community library
with more than 300 children and adult books in both
Spanish and English, and a weekly job posting,
advertising local employment opportunities available
for residents.
F.O.P.A.’s activities are supported by generous
donations from residents and visitors alike. The
classes and programs currently operate out of the
Transformar Educando building next to the police
station in the Poblado.
For more information, and to help support FOPA, visit www.friendsofpa.com.
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