After a week visiting schools and taking part in trainings, what surfaces for me is how different each of our schools are, and how different the experience is for each student.

Out of the 12 schools, one is still totally closed to students, except for first graders. There is still a high level of Covid (Red light from the ministry of Health) in this community, the school has a large student population (600) and a small school ground. So the authorities have decided that it is not safe to have the kids come to school..

All other schools are also still in Red or Orange, but are open in bubbles. (aka a fraction of the students come at the same time). Some students come to schools once a week for 2h. In some other schools they come twice for 3h. In the best case scenario, the student come for 8h a week.

The physical education teacher at school Arturo Martinez told us how the kids came back with sleepy eyes after 2 years of being at home, and how they are now waking up and are more alive.

Maestra Edisa, 4th grade teacher from school Pajoc described her situation quite well. Some students have been able to keep on learning at home. But for many, she believes that these 2 years have be catastrophic. The students can’t read, and their writing is non existent. Edisa says that she needs to teach at the 2nd grade level. “It is essential that these kids learn to read and write to be able to move forward. So, with them, I won’t be doing the 4th grade curriculum. It would be useless. I need to work on their foundational skills.”

Today, I joined the 4h virtual professional development for the 4th grade teachers. This group of 30 teachers eagerly searched material, drafted class plans in small groups, and presented to each other.

The teachers have a lot to work on this year, with for now, little time with their students. So being well prepared and having the tools to get their students to best learn is essential. The new equipment you provided is of great help and the teachers are very much looking forward to their continued training.