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Promoting the love of reading as an indispensable compliment to the education of young Vallartan children is the goal that has been motivating Sally Conley since she founded her ever popular Fig Tree Library 7 years ago; when she decided to open her doors to the local children of Pitillal and neighboring colonias. Today, there are among 20 and 80 children between 7 and 13 years old who come to the library on a regular basis to play, do handicrafts, learn to use the computer, and study English during the summer (with the help of Pablo Hernández; a young student of Proulex), or simply to immerse themselves in the world of reading and books.
“Contamination of the air and the rivers are the most pressing issues in Vallarta today according to my students. Most of the children felt that garbage collection is a major problem and that our streets and beaches are dirty. They worry about trees (that clean the air and provide shade) being cut down indiscriminately. Many of the children were concerned about traffic congestion. Three children were concerned about the lack of respect for children (i.e. Sexual exploitation.) Several others listed drug addiction and dengue fever. Not enough jobs and temporary workers who don't care about Vallarta and animals that are not cared for properly.”
“Most of my children predicted that ten years in the future the air would be cleaner as well as the streets and the beaches. One of them expected modern freeways and hospitals. (My instinct is to preserve the Mexican village that I moved to, but that is not the vision the children have). For them, tourism that is more normal. Several feel that cruise ships are harming the economy. When asked what they want to be or do when they grow up, I was pleased to see that that there are several veterinarians coming along as well as doctors, engineers, firemen, three psychologists, a chef, a dancer; and at least half of the children want to become teachers. Katy plans to be a painter; Niza plans to become an anthropologist, a photographer, and singer and to communicate with sign language; and Ulises hopes to be a biologist and an environmentalist.”
“Literacy and opportunity for our children and young adults are the closest issues to my heart. I think we need eco-friendly industry apart from tourism. Care centers for elderly retired people would be so appropriate for this area.”
“My schedule is only as demanding as my advanced years can handle. My library is open two days a week and I work at the Bibliotheca los Mangos on Tuesdays developing what is becoming a truly comprehensive English section. I hope in the near future with Pablo’s help that we will have more English classes in my library as well as at the main library.”
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