El Chagüe School Construction Update

In mid-December 2005, PML and the town of El Chagüe embarked on an ambitious project by breaking ground for the construction of an expansion to their current primary-school facilities. The completion of the project was realized in late February and the town of El Chagüe celebrated its inauguration on March 13th. The inauguration marked not only the beginning of a new era for education in the community, but also the first in a series of projects designed and brought to fruition by the directiva in El Chagüe, with the help of Project Minnesota in León.

It is clear that the project’s success is the result of a passionate populace and the guidance of PML coordinator, Susie Schweigert. While the construction of the school only took about two months, it is only a small part of a mature and enduring relationship that PML has developed with the people of El Chagüe. The building measures 18m x 6m and includes two classrooms and a 4m annex, which in the future can be used for medical consultations, among other things. The new aulas will be used primarily for the pre-school, previously held on a neighbour’s outdoor patio, and the first grade; and matriculation is expected to be around 50 children.

El Chagüe was initially chosen as a target for the implementation of PML’s long-term integral development model because of the pre-existing and well-organized directiva. The directiva of El Chagüe is a seven member administrative core, elected every two years by the community itself. The strength, energy, and cohesiveness displayed by this directiva made El Chagüe an ideal locale for creating a long-term relationship which will continue to mature as future projects, such as reforestation and family vegetable gardens are pursued. The construction of the school serves as an example for other projects because it was completed thanks to the passion, talents, and hard-work of those who will be most affected by its presence, the citizens of El Chagüe.