Both Merida Student Houses, one for men and one for women, provide free room and board to dedicated students making their dreams accessible. Good public university education is provided in the city of Merida to high school graduates who have passed rigorous qualification tests. However, those who have persevered to this level (rare from rural Mayan villages) often cannot afford living in the big city, along with school fees and transportation costs. The cooperative Christian community provides a home for their college years.
The men’s and women’s Houses both host about a dozen students. They are studying engineering, science, health fields, education, business, agriculture, ministry, and more.
If you are interested in helping Acción educate the next generation of Mayan Mexicans click here to check out our student sponsorship program.
Merida Student House is the English translation of Casa Estudiantil Merida, abbreviated “CEM.” The house for men (formerly called “El Refugio” or “The Shelter”) was founded in 1996. A second house for women was opened in 2021.
Today many graduates are working professionals, helping build their communities and serving their churches. Service to God and fellow people is a strong emphasis in the Student Houses.
Currently our Women’s Student House in Merida houses 11 female students plus the resident director. These students come from different parts of the State of Yucatan. In addition, two of them are from other states (Veracruz and Quintana Roo). These students are pursuing different undergraduate and engineering degrees.
