Orlando Aurelio Ostuma Cruz
Principal (2023 Fellow)
Orlando Aurelio Ostuma Crúz, a dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pedagogy and Educational Administration serves as the technical director at Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta in Aldea San Felipe Chenla, Cotzal, Quiche. Born and raised in the same community, Orlando has a deep understanding of the educational challenges and opportunities present there.
With four brothers and one sister, Orlando is married and has four children. He has extensive experience in education, having worked for organizations like Amigos para las Escuelas Ixiles and the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) for over 14 years. In his role, he has been involved in various community activities, including infrastructure projects for the school and communal clean-up efforts.
Orlando’s interest in the ConnectED Fellows Program came from his passion for innovation and continuous learning. He believes in breaking old paradigms and guiding the younger generation towards new social endeavors. His commitment to ongoing learning and educational management reflects his dedication to providing the most up-to-date teaching and learning experiences for the students in his community.
“I always take the challenge to learn more when I can. Education is my field, it’s what I love doing, and to me it’s not a burden, it’s a learning process.”
Problem: There is a need for more technological resources in the school to contribute to improving the teaching-learning process for teachers and students alike.
Solution: Orlando’s project has equipped a computer lab with laptops, completing a full class set. This addition of computers enables teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience. Thanks to this project, every student will gain essential technology skills for success in higher education and the future workforce. The enhanced access to digital resources not only enriches their current educational experience but also positions them for greater opportunities.