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Calendaria Esquina Damian

Teacher (2023 Fellow)

Community: Cantón Panabaj, Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, Guatemala
School: Escuela Comunitaria La Puerta Abierta

Cande is a primary school teacher and math coach at La Puerta Abierta (The Open Door) and has degrees in pedagogy and education administration. Outside of work, Cande is an active volunteer facilitating teacher support workshops, implementing language and math reinforcement classes for students, and guiding reading circles for youth through the Sparks Foundation. 

In her role at La Puerta Abierta, Cande coordinates the commission for the new school construction with the help of the parents’ committee. Currently, they are working to build five classrooms for preschool students. She is grateful to have received support from ConnectED and to collaborate on a project to provide children with a unique and authentic learning experience. 

 

“I am passionate about my job and being able to support children, youth, and teachers through the teaching-learning process, especially math and reading skills.” 

 

Problem: The school’s technology infrastructure is inadequate, hindering students from fully engaging in today’s digital landscape. This deficiency not only deprives them of essential technological literacy but also restricts their access to a vast array of knowledge and resources.

 

Solution: Cande’s education project has provided students with a complete set of tablets, increasing enthusiasm for learning. Cande’s leadership has not only facilitated the acquisition of these resources but has also led to a significant improvement in the school’s teaching and learning processes. Thanks to this project, students are now gaining valuable skills in using technology, allowing interactive and innovative learning opportunities that contribute to their overall academic development.