Pascual Mendoza

Project: Technological Innovation Through Audiovisual Classrooms 

Quote: “Local authorities were brought together to have a harmonious meeting with teachers and the school government. They were given the opportunity to express their ideas to break old paradigms and consider new approaches.”

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite Activity: Spending time on the farm, especially harvesting coffee

About: Since he was six years old, Pascual has loved going to school. However, due to financial constraints and a lack of access to education in his community, Pascual completed his education by taking classes through a radio education program. As a result of the opportunities provided by this radio show, in addition to working as the principal and teacher at the San Antonio Chacayá Village School for the last 12 years, Pascual manages a radio education program and volunteers as a teacher at the ‘Teacher at-Home’ radio program. Additionally, throughout his years as an educator, Pascual has worked as a promoter of “School Without Walls” a distance learning program for young adults who haven’t had the opportunity to study, and as a primary school teacher in various schools. 

Despite the innumerable limitations that affect his school, Pascual is confident that systems can change with everyone’s participation. For example, over the last decade, Pascual’s school has developed from a school with about forty students to one that has over 200 students. Pascual recognizes that his project with ConnectED is a big shift from Guatemala’s traditional “copy and paste” education where the teacher speaks and students listen. Given his innovative mindset, Pascal is grateful for the opportunity to address a challenge in his community.  

“Teaching is my vocation; it allows me to share knowledge. We are the agents of change! I want to learn new methodologies and new ideas from others. I feel very committed to change in my village where children have not had opportunities. I would like all children to have the same opportunities for education.”

Problem: Students are unmotivated to learn due to the lack of engaging and interactive education. Without access to technology, many students are unmotivated to come to school and instead work in the field with their families. 

Solution: Pascual equipped all of the classrooms at his school with televisions to provide innovative, modern, and interactive classes. With access to technology, students from Pascual’s rural community are now receiving a higher quality education, utilizing technological tools, and based on reports, are more motivated to come to school. Pascual’s goal is to become a model school for the Ministry of Education so that other schools can receive access to technology and new teaching methodologies, therefore improving attendance.