Equipment of computer and robotics labs in 7 schools
SAN SALVADOR – The “High Impact Soyapango” Project, executed by the United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Rafael Meza Ayau Foundation (FRMA), began equipping computer and robotics laboratories in seven schools in Soyapango. With an investment of more than $79,000 dollars, the laboratories will become learning spaces where children and youth will develop the ability to apply and integrate ways of thinking and doing through the STEAM approach (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics).
3,800 students and 100 teachers from seven schools (Altos de Monte Carmelo, José Antonio Cañas, Colonia Las Brisas, Leonardo Azcúnaga, Profesor Daniel Cordón Salguero, Buena Vista, and Reino de Dinamarca) will benefit through improvements in their educational skills through technological innovation.
The event was held at the Salvador del Mundo Foundation (FUSALMO), located in Soyapango, with participating guests: the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, William Bent; the President of FRMA, Alfonso Javier Quiñónez; the CEO of DIGICEL, Marcelo Alemán; the President of FUSALMO, Presbyter Pierre M. Vitelli; the National Director of Education and Curriculum, Alex Granados, and the Director of the Altos de Monte Carmelo School Center, Francis Segovia, who participated on behalf of the seven schools.
The labs are supported by strategic allies such as FUSALMO, which, together with the Ministry of Education, will work in the schools to implement the STEAM approach. On behalf of the private sector, the company Digicel will provide Internet service in each laboratory for four years so that students can access online learning platforms.
The Deputy Chief of Mission highlighted the importance of the donation. “For the U.S. Government, it is vital to support El Salvador people in developing skills, specifically children and youth, so that their families have better economic opportunities. This equipment in schools will allow teachers to integrate technology with academic areas such as science and mathematics. Without a doubt, the boys and girls will understand their classes better,” he said.
For his part, the President of the FRMA, Alfonso Javier Quiñónez, spoke about the benefits that the project has had in the municipality. “We have recognized and verified a high potential in this city with its characteristics of urban and business development, where, with the appropriate strategies and a comprehensive intervention, we are building together an inclusive city, positively influencing sustainable development and lasting prosperity for its citizens” he said.
With a duration of four years and a total investment of $3.9 million dollars by USAID and FRMA, the “High Impact Soyapango” Project focuses on helping to improve the quality of life of families in the municipality through four pillars of work: collective impact, economic growth, youth development, and early childhood.
