Esmeralda Aguaré
Teacher (2022 Fellow)
Project: Improved Plumbing and Sanitary Conditions for a Healthy School Environment
Quote: “I love my job! Children’s love is the sincerest love you can get. I want to make sure that all children in my community have the opportunity to study and improve their lives”
Favorite Book: Mente Clara
Favorite Activity: Playing soccer with the kids
About: For the past three years, Esmeralda has worked as a primary school teacher, renting a room in Aldea La Taña to teach at a school three and a half hours away from her home. In addition to teaching, Esmeralda supports her community by working in agriculture and making traditional clothing. In her spare time, Esmeralda collaborates with a group of young people to provide families with limited resources, food, toys for children, and other necessary items.
As a member of SERES, a nonprofit organization of young leaders, Esmeralda was eager to join ConnectED and grow her leadership skills. Esmeralda saw the tremendous need in her school’s community and aims to generate substantial change to provide students with higher-quality education. Of her many concerns, Esmeralda is particularly worried about child labor, the high illiteracy rate among parents, and the lack of commitment, initiative, and motivation among teachers.
“I love my job! Children’s love is the sincerest love you can get. I want to make sure that all children in my community have the opportunity to study and improve their lives.
Problem: There is a lack of quality plumbing and bathrooms. Currently, the school has two latrines that are not accessible to all students resulting in low attendance, especially for girls during menstruation. With no drainage system and two pit latrines that were constructed over 20 years ago, there are serious health risks.
Solution: Esmeralda is installing appropriate bathrooms. Bathrooms will be enclosed and allow for sanitary disposal of waste reducing the risk of sickness. Additionally, Esmeralda is bringing a water tank in order to collect rainwater and use it in the school, and with the help of the health center, students and teachers will receive training to promote student health.