First Tee México

First Tee México is a program that seeks to influence the lives of young people through educational programs that build character, instill life-enriching values, and promote healthy lessons through golf as a tool of life.

They believe golf is a perfect tool to help children and young people develop their character. Players experience the ups and downs of the game and learn how to relate this to everyday life experiences. Their goal is that in Mexico more and more low-income children can play golf.

The Program’s Origins

The First Tee México program was launched in 1997, with the purpose of teaching golf to children and young people from communities that did not have access to this sport, without knowing that the philosophy of golf would impact their lives in a positive way, where they would learn not only the sport and its rules but apply them to their daily lives, fostering noticeable changes in their character and in their environment.

Teaching Students Values Through Golf

The philosophy of the First Tee México program is based on the teaching and practice through golf of the following 10 core values:

• Judgment
• Courtesy
• Respect
• Perseverance
• Trust
• Responsibility
• Sportsmanship
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Empathy

KKIS and First Tee México

The KKIS Project began working with First Tee México in 2019, teaching KKIS Scholars the game of golf on the Gran Coyote Golf Course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was put on pause for over a year but finally resumed in November 2021!

Twelve scholars are participating in the First Tee México twice a week for 3 hours. The scholars are provided with transportation to and from the golf course and given lunch before the game.

Giovani, who participates in the First Tee México program was so close to a hole in one that his coaches were blown away!

KKIS Community Connections

KKIS facilitates connections for all grade levels from primary through university. Connection to a supportive community makes a world of difference to students, teachers, and administrators.

KKIS has brought inspirational speakers to schools, advisors to our high school scholars, negotiated contracts with four universities granting students significant discounts on tuition and introduced students to businesses in the community. The First Tee México program is another example

Meeting people outside of one’s world, allows relationships to be built, new information to come in, and most often, an inspired student stays in school.

Take Action!

Did you know that many children living in Mexico are not able to go to high school because they are charged a fee – it is not free!

While 12 years of education in Mexico is compulsory, the average number of years of education is only 9. Students who want to go on to high school need to pay for an entrance exam, school fees, transportation, and uniform costs. We believe in public education. It is not a perfect system in any country, but we believe that all children should have access to 12 years of education.

The good news is it costs less than $2 USD per day to keep a student in high school.

If you are anything like us, you will agree that so much of why we love Playa del Carmen has to do with the amazing locals. So why not do something for the community in return?

Take action, start a recurring donation now!