1. What is the Tewecado Trust?

The Tewecado Trust is a not-for-profit group based in Tucson, Arizona. It was founded by an American couple in order to financially support the Tewecado Mission School in Cerocahui, Mexico, while at the same time providing tax benefits for U.S. donors. Mexican donors receive certain tax benefits when they donate directly to the school. Currently the trust consists of 3 couples who do all of the work for the Trust voluntarily.

2. How can I help?

Because they have limited resources, the Sisters are always in need of financial support. Your tax-deductible gift to Tewecado Trust helps the Sisters maintain a decent standard of living for the children in their care. Donations can be made to:

Tewecado Trust
P.O. Box 36078
Tucson, AZ 85740-6078

An IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation

3. Where does my donation go?

98% of your donation goes directly to the Tewecado Mission School. Since the trust is an all volunteer organization, the only costs incurred are for items such as stationery, printing, postage and tax preparation. Annual expenses are miniscule by not-for-profit standards. So 98% goes for food, clothing, books, and school supplies, which directly benefit the children, the school and the community.

4. Where do the students go after leaving the school?

Girls leave the school at age 12, usually after completing the 6th grade. Some return to their families in the Sierra Tarahumara region. Others continue their education in boarding schools run by the sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Poor located throughout the area. The hope is that the girls will teach what they have learned at the school--i.e. simple hygiene, cooking methods and other basic skills--to other Tarahumara community members. A number of girls have gone on to complete their high school education, becoming teachers and nurses.

5. How can I visit the school?

The Tewecado Mission School welcomes visitors. It is located in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, about 45 minutes by bus from the Bahuichivo train station (on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad). Public trains may be boarded at Los Mochis, Sinaloa or Chihuahua City, Chihuahua for the trip to Bahuichivo.

Accommodations are available in Cerocahui at the Mision Hotel located adjacent to the school. Further information may be obtained from Balderrama Hotels at:

http://www.mexicoscoppercanyon.com/

A few kilometers outside of town, the Paraiso del Oso offers comfortable accommodations and fully escorted "eco tours".

E-mail: doug

S&S Tours offers group and independent arrangements to the Copper Canyon.
www.ss-tours.com