The second annual Xcalak English Project (XEP) has wrapped up and we're excited to share the week's progress. The Xcalak English Project was created to offer an immersive educational program designed to empower those in the local community with improved language skills. In coordination with XFlats Lodge, YDCCF, Bozeman High School-based ESL instructors, and Bozeman student Carson Klug, week-long curriculums were created and offered to fishing guides, hospitality staff, and their families. The program focused on oral and written language development through interactive dialogue, games, and vocabulary lessons, with continued online education to reinforce development.
The goal for this year was to expand the school from 30 people to 60 in order to reach more of the population and make a greater impact. With 11 teachers on-site, over 60 students, including many more children than last year, were taught functional, high frequency dialogues, bingo, basic vocabulary, and useful verbs. Additionally, a tourism-specific curriculum was developed for 24 young adults to assist in their professional growth within Xcalak. Students were provided instructional books as well as online tutorials that they can access on their phones.Â
We were able to see the impact of the first year, witnessing a guide at the lodge communicating in english with a Yellow Dog client. He mentioned several times that it has significantly helped his ability to communicate with clients and his end of trip tips, showcasing the real dollar value to individuals and the community overall.Â
The future is bright for the Xcalak community with plans to build a youth center with year-round services to offer art, music, and English language lessons. Yellow Dog and YDCCFÂ are super excited to watch and foster the evolution of this community, and to continue to assist the people of a community we truly cherish.Â
If you're traveled to Xcalak, you know how special it is. We welcome you to join us in supporting YDCCF's work with the English Project by donating here.
