Flor Morales

Project: Creating Technology Literacy Through an Information and Communication Technology Center 

Quote: “Through training, connection to others, and having access to tools and economic support, ConnectED has helped me to develop the power to raise my voice as an indigenous woman.”

Favorite book: Ilustrador 

Favorite Activity: Working in the fields with her family

About: Flor began working with rural communities due to the great room for improvement. Throughout her career, Flor has worked in the agriculture sector as a field technician mentoring youth on agricultural technologies by conducting food sovereignty workshops, as a mentor and tutor for young people in her community, and with youth and indigenous women and children to ensure they are included in the decision-making process for community projects. Today, Flor works as a Facilitator for SERniña, a local girls’ empowerment organization. 

Flor recognizes the importance of quality education and is driven to improve resources and find solutions. She believes that if children are enabled to make their own decisions, it will transform their way of thinking which can ultimately lead to improving the community. Although there is much to do to improve her community, Flor is motivated by the fact that she is able to make a difference.

“I am aware that opportunities in rural areas are very scarce in education, specifically for children. I aim to support youth in the construction of transformative leadership, through access to safe spaces, workshops, and community leadership programs. I know that if children have the opportunity to learn from a young age, it will be easier for them to seek out opportunities in the future. My greatest dream is that more youth have access to education and employment opportunities so that they can fulfill their personal, family, and why not … community dreams and goals.”

Problem: Students are lacking technological literacy which is hindering academic development and ultimately access to employment after they graduate. Given community members are close-minded and unwilling to embrace change, it has proven to be a challenge to implement technology in schools. 

Solution: Flor provided her community with access to an Information and Communications Technology Center, computer training, and open education resources. Additionally, her project included training teachers about open education resources and developing a plan on how to adapt technology methodologies to their classes, therefore promoting student development and innovation.