The UNM College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) will join hundreds of educational institutions and community organizations across the country in celebrating farmworkers during its third annual Farmworker Awareness Week Tuesday through Thursday, March 29-31 on the UNM campus.
There are three days of events during the week dedicated to bringing awareness to issues many of our Southwest farmworkers face, as well as honoring local farmers, and agricultural advocates including Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
Events take place in the UNM Student Union Building Atrium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events will feature various speakers, students, staff, faculty and advocates from the Albuquerque community. A blood drive will also be held each day in conjunction with the events.
Tuesday features a discussion on the past and present struggles farmworkers face, and a history of the United Farmworkers Association and Cesar Chavez. On Wednesday, a Dia de la Mujer Campesina or a celebration of women farmworkers will be held; and Thursday concludes the week’s events with a student appreciation day and Cesar Chavez birthday celebration.
“The reason this week is so important is to remind people that the fruits and vegetables served on American tables have been touched by seasonal or migrant farmworkers in New Mexico and the United States,” said Ivan Olay, UNM CAMP director. “CAMP is leading this celebration in conjunction with several other organizations to honor the efforts of many of our students and their parents who work in the fields to earn a living.”
The College Assistance Migrant Program is a federally funded program established to identify, recruit, admit, and enroll students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds in higher education. CAMP provides students with academic, social, and financial support to enable the completion of their first year of college.
For more information on CAMP program or FAW, visit the CAMP website or call (505) 277-5492.