Education at the KBI: Call to Action - Kino Border Initiative

By: Roxane Ramos

The Kino Border Initiative’s educational programming offers information and insights into the reality of the border as well as direct experience.

Education is embedded in everything the Kino Border Initiative does, and its programming reaches migrants, students, churches, immersion groups, legislators, and anyone interested in visiting the KBI in person or online. The KBI works to dispel commonly held myths about immigration, correct misinformation, and provide experiences, resources and data. By raising awareness about the reality of the border, the KBI promotes greater understanding about who the migrants are and why they cross.

At the KBI Outreach Center: Sister María Engracia Robles Robles, M.E., informs migrants of their rights, listens to their stories, and responds to their questions. Photo by Larry Hanelin — At the KBI Outreach Center: Sister María Engracia Robles Robles, M.E., informs migrants of their rights, listens to their stories, and responds to their questions.
Photo by Larry Hanelin

Learning from the Migrants: Father Pete Neeley, S.J. and St. Ignatius student Julia Tognotti, 17, speak with a recently deported migrant, Brian, also 17, about his experience traveling for two months from Honduras to reach the border. Photo by Dave Tognotti. — Learning from the Migrants: Father Pete Neeley, S.J. and St. Ignatius student Julia Tognotti, 17, speak with a recently deported migrant, Brian, also 17, about his experience traveling for two months from Honduras to reach the border.
Photo by Dave Tognotti.

The KBI educates by:

• Instructing all migrants served at the Outreach Center (comedor) about their basic human rights so they know when their rights are being violated.
• Conducting border immersion experiences of 1–3 days, giving participants the opportunity to meet the migrants, hear their stories, and “walk in their footsteps,” at least for a little while, on hikes through the harsh desert terrain surrounding Nogales.
• Offering presentations and workshops on the migrant experience, the social and economic factors that impact immigration, and the need for effective and humane immigration reform.
• Maintaining a Facebook page with the latest information about immigration headlines and KBI activities.
• Compiling monthly newsletters with articles about the migrant experience, advocacy efforts, immigration policy, and recent developments.
• Helping to support the Kino Teens program, which educates young people about border issues, provides them with the chance to assist the migrants, and encourages them to share their experiences with other school and church groups.

On a KBI Immersion: Students from St. Ignatius College Prepatory in San Francisco ride the bus in Nogales, Sonora, the border fence behind them. Photo by Dave Tognotti. — On a KBI Immersion: Students from St. Ignatius College Prepatory in San Francisco ride the bus in Nogales, Sonora, the border fence behind them.
Photo by Dave Tognotti.

How You Can Help: Support the KBI in its educational efforts by participating in an immersion experience; by inviting the KBI to speak to your church, student group or local organization; or by making a donation. For more information, see: https://www.kinoborderinitiative.org/

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