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Miriam Coché

Teacher (2021 Fellow)

Community: Cantón Ojo de Agua, San Antonio Palopó, Sololá, Guatemala
School: Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta Cantón Ojo de Agua

Project:  Promoting Learning Through Technology 

Quote: “I hope for the education of the children of my community to be different from what I had.”

Favorite Book: The Bible

Favorite Activity: Working in her vegetable garden 

 

About: Miriam grew up dreaming of being a medical professional, however, when she realized that wasn’t a feasible financial option, she decided to pursue a career in teaching. Miriam graduated from high school with a focus on education and is grateful for her decision to become a teacher as it has positively changed her life. With over 16 years as a first-grade teacher, Miriam loves working with kids, seeing their joy and happiness, and is passionate about helping them to grow.

As a teacher, Miriam encourages students to explore their interests and to pursue a career in a field that they are passionate about, rather than what careers society deems successful. Miriam dreams that all children will have the opportunity to learn computer literacy and 21st-century technological skills so they are equipped for the future. She believes technology is a necessity for many jobs and is concerned that most youths in her community have not been exposed to it, a problem that poses greater challenges since the pandemic. 

 

“I hope for the education for the children of my community to be different from what I had.”

 

Problem: Students do not have access to technology causing them to fall behind their peers. Due to the increased use of technology worldwide as a result of the pandemic, Miriam believes that learning technology skills are essential for her students to have opportunities that will allow them to be successful in their futures. 

 

Solution: Miriam implemented a digital technology center to provide students access to a technological library, open educational resources, the internet, and other materials that promote learning. Additionally, teachers have been trained on the use of library equipment, new reading and writing methodologies, and how to utilize open educational resources.