Young children in five remote communities in Northern Nicaragua now enjoy the safety and comfort of a new preschool.
This was made possible through the collective efforts of local Fellow Byron Altamirano, ConnectED, and community volunteers, some traveling by foot an hour each way to devote their time to the project. Now standing in the small agricultural community of Las Horquetas, Esteli, the school has doubled its enrolment, a heartwarming result for the area’s population of 185.
Prior to this, many community members were troubled by the poor state of the preschool structure, which affected enrolment rates. Byron, an advocate for education, was among them. With training in social work and community development from Llanon Largo and La Concordia, Byron believes the preschool is not only a place where the young begin their education – but also the heart of the community.
Swipe left and right to see the transformation.
“We are appreciative of the unique relationship that we have with ConnectED…”
– Byron Altamirano, Fellow
Determined to improve the preschool in his area, he became a ConnectED Fellow in 2017 and began working towards the realization of his dream. Local volunteers joined Byron in repairing and renovating the existing preschool in the community. Their collective efforts made it possible for children in Las Horquetas to gain a safe and secure space for learning. To ensure the school will be properly taken care of, the Ministry of Education and Municipality of La Trinidad covered the ongoing maintenance and salary costs for the school staff.
“We are appreciative of the unique relationship that we have with ConnectED and the way that we always work hand in hand. Having helped us through work that affects the first letters our children learn and having happy parents and mothers bringing food to our place, when before all we had was an unhygienic hut, is a wonderful thing,” Byron declares.