We aim to offer the best possible education for children and adults. We provide a safe learning environment toddlers all the way to high-school graduation and the evening school for adults.
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Kindergarten
Our kindergarten aims to offer the best possible start to the children of Ushpa-Ushpa. We provide a safe and fun learning environment for over 180 one to six-year-olds every weekday.
Each class has an early childhood specialized teacher, supported by one or two assistants from the within the community and our educational psychologist. The children who are behind in their development or have learning difficulties work with the psychologist to ensure they are not left behind.
By offering a full day of care daily from 8am – 5pm the parents can pursue working opportunities while their children receive excellent care. Our daily routine includes: Feeding the children four nutritious meals; teaching hygiene practices including brushing their teeth and stimulating their minds with games and activities.
Parents pay on average the equivalent of 4$US per month. Those who cannot afford this amount support us during regular working hours with the cleaning and maintenance of the building. Because of this, we make sure that we provide the service to those who need it most.
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School
Our school helps the children of Ushpa-Ushpa to become adults with a bright future. Currently 630 children ages 6 to 16 years attend our school and have the possibility to graduate with the Bolivian high school diploma called Bachillerato.
It is a state-approved school run with a team of nearly 37 teachers who get supported by our psychologist. 60% of the teachers are provided by the government. The government is slowly providing teachers to cover all classes and subjects. Proyecto Horizonte provides those that the government doesn’t, to ensure that children can have their education provided close to home.
We offer morning and afternoon classes for 12 grades with permanent teachers for grades one to six and specialized teachers for the elder classes in mathematics, natural sciences, literature, social sciences, English, Quechua (native Andean language), ethics, music, crafts and sports.
Parents pay on average the equivalent of 3 USD per month. Those who cannot afford this amount, are given scholarships. We also facilitate the distribution of school materials given by the St Vincent de Paul Society to those who cannot afford them. This ensures that everyone has the best chance for an education.
We also offer subsidized lunches in the school in conjunction with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Children pay about 15 US cents to receive a nutritious meal that they would not otherwise be given in their home as their parents are working.
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Evening school
Besides the education of children, we have also established an evening school for adults. The CEA-CETHA system leads to a university recognized high school diploma within 5 years. Basic numeracy and literacy are not required to enter.
The teaching method used for this program is very interactive and is adapted to best suit any previous education and knowledge the student may have had. The residents of Ushpa-Ushpa have embraced the initiative with enthusiasm. The diploma, which is the only recognized high school accreditation in Bolivia, is the realization of a dream for many.
Currently, the youngest participant is 16 years old, while the oldest is 62 years old. The majority of the students are women. The hours of instruction are from Monday to Thursday from 7:00pm until 9:30 pm. We currently have 60 students across four classes, as we combined the first two years in one class. Until the third year the classes have permanent teachers, afterwards they have specialized teachers in mathematics, natural sciences, literature, social sciences, English, Quechua (native Andean language), ethics, music, crafts and sports. We have had a graduating class each year since 2008.
Six teachers from our school are working in our evening school. The students pay 1.50 USD per month for the school.