For our current project, in the school in El Hato, we run many successful programs. Take a look below to find out more!
continuing education
In the 2018 school year, we are focusing on providing scholarships for continuing education to the public school and support for locally-led community development efforts. So far, in 2018, we have paid for 20 scholarships for the IGER Saturday school program, with 75% of those students being young women.
Each year, we hope to increase the number of scholarships we can provide, and our goal is to raise enough money to send a few students to Antigua to continue their education in the 2019 school year. So, please keep those donations coming, as every little bit helps!!
Health and Nutrition
In 2014, we were able to provide all of our students with toothbrushes and toothpaste, and we were able to provide the preschool and kindergarten students vitamins. Health and hygiene lessons are incorporated in the curriculum and our preschool students have the opportunity to groom themselves at the hygiene corner during independent work time each day. The classroom is equipped with facial wipes, nail clippers, a brush, and comb. Water in the village is inconsistent, so our students feel comfortable knowing that they can freshen up when they get to school.
Due to the poor access to water, we have been working on water solutions which have included installing three rainwater tanks and fixing the bathroom plumbing and drainage.
As for nutrition, we collaborate with Earth Lodge to provide a healthy snack to each of our students.
Early Childhood Education
The bilingual Montessori style preschool program serves 4- to 5-year-olds. In 2017, Las Las Manos handed over this program to the El Hato school teachers so they can continue to provide an integrated program which meets the requirements of the national curriculum and allows the children freedom to learn and explore independently.
Library program
We work with the public school to provide a library space equipped with books and materials for the students in the community. All of our students have the privilege of borrowing books to take home and have been respecting the books and grateful for this opportunity.
Special Needs
In 2018, Las Manos has partnered with Rekko, an NGO that works with medical professionals. Each week Rekko visits a few students who are in need of a psychologist to help them deal with family related issues. The work that we do with these children is life changing for them and gives them the help that they wouldn't receive otherwise.
This program is completely run by our staff member Adriana Chacon and other volunteers. During the winter break in November & December, we run a six-week summer camp which ranges in activities such as sports, dance, art, yoga, English, and math.
