Cafeterias
Building a school cafeteria was a learning experience. Although we expected a bureaucratic nightmare, obtaining permission from the school was very simple. We walked the grounds with the school directors and agreed on the best place for the building. We met with any kindergarten next to the school (a common situation) and agreed where we would build a gate between the two schools so the little children would also receive free meals.
After several bids from contractors, we found several that were willing to do things 'our way' at similar cost and then chose the one with the best reputation. Our way of building a school is to find one professional builder with years of experience. He typically will hire one other person with strong experience and then hire local laborers in the community. Sometimes we send people in need of work to these builders and they are always hired.
We identified specific tasks that the school and the community at large would need to perform.
Our cost is about half of what was estimated from building contractors with their own crew.
We purchase as much as possible in Mexico. When we do need to import items, the school directors and state administrators streamline the import process.
After we showed our cafeteria at the Emiliano Primary School to representatives of Giving Hope Worldwide (GHWW) , this foundation underwrote the cost of our next two cafeterias and continue to reimburse Paper Houses for the cost of the daily meals.
The process of building cafeterias follows our simple way of helping. We see a need. We analyze the situation. We consider what happens if we do not act and what will likely happen if we do act. We get the local people to agree to do their part. (In this case, the parents, students and teachers organized fundraiser's to help with the costs). We advance the contractor $5,000 to begin the project and establish milestones for the project. As each phase is completed and inspected, more money to released to the contractor.
Beyond the nuts and bolts of building a cafeteria, there are the children, teachers and parents. As the building rises, we see children, teachers and parents excitedly pointing out the newest thing to happen. There is great excitement and laughter. Eventually the exterior is completed and we see everyone peering in through the windows. When we arrive with tables and chairs, the children want to help unload the truck. The volunteer cooks are most excited when they see the stove, refrigerators, and pots and pans.
The school organizes a dedication ceremony and representatives from Paper Houses Across the Border, Giving Hope Worldwide, school officials at the state level, representatives from the PTA, 
parents, teachers and children, and media are all invited. Children from every class, kindergarten through 9th grade, perform. Some dance in traditional costumes, some give a formal speech of thanks, and then we have a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. After the cafeteria is officially opened, children enter for their first meal, followed by the officials and representatives of Paper Houses and GHWW.