Alternative Learning Center (2002-present)

In 2002, UPAVIM established the Alternative Learning Center to offer children from La Esperanza and neighboring communities a school where they do not merely learn by rote the necessary information, but they study in an atmosphere that is pleasant, stimulating, respectful and democratic. The school aims to inspire in the children a desire for learning so that they will keep studying their entire life; teaching them to resolve interpersonal conflicts, to make decisions as group for consideration for individual needs, to respect their peers without discriminating according to race or gender; and to create within them a commitment to their community and their country. With all of this and a healthy sense of self-esteem, our children will achieve their full potential, live in harmony, and solve many of the problems that characterize our lives in La Esperanza and in precarious areas in general.

Currently the Alternative Learning Center has classes from kindergarten to fifth grade, attends to over 60 children and employs four teachers. The parents pay a montly fee of Q. 50.00 (US$6.25), members of UPAVIM, pay Q. 25.00 (US$3.25) and UPAVIM awards ten scholarships a year. One huundred percent of the expenses of the school are covered by craft sales.

The greatest need right now is financial support for the construction of the Annex to provide more space for the school. It is currently located on the first floor, but will be moved to the second floor when construction is complete. The Annex will also have a roof-top play area with a an overhead fence.

More photos of the school

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The teachers apply the philosophical principles of the Montessori Method. This method is based on the scientific study of the natural development of children in which education is considered to be an active support of the full development of human beings. The philosophical principles of the Montessori Method are the following:

• The periods of socialization: by respecting and taking advantage of every moment when the child is sensitive to the development of appropriate aptitudes.
• The mind of the child: by surrounding the child in a quality environment, as much academic as human, the child's mind will absorb and internalize these characteristics in the environment.
• Freedom and discipline: Through education, the child shall be guided so that they learn internal discipline in a free environment, teaching them to be independent.
• Autonomy: By respeting the efforts of each child to achieve autonomous learning, no teacher should give a child more help than is strictly necessary.
• Learning by doing: In education it is fundamental to respect this form of learning, permitting the children to be active.
  

  Individual differences: By respecting the learninstyles of each child, all of the children will learn with security and will feel confidence in themselves. Preparation of the environment: The atmosphere should be happy, tranquil, clean and well-ordered. Atitude of the adult: The adults or the teachers should respect the development process of the child and their learning style, guiding them without imposing. They should teach by showing and not by giving orders

• Importance of the materials: The teachings materials do not only serve to teach appropriate scholarly knowledges but also to strengthen the child's social and psychological development.

Programs
Home I Dental Clinic I Healthy Babies I Medical Clinic I Alternative Learning Center I Day Care Center I Scholarships I Tutoring Center

Projects
Home I Crafts I Annex Construction I UPA-SOYA I Bakery and Store I Future Plans