Can you tell me about your project related to education? What was its main goal?
The 'CASA JOABE' initiative is an educational space dedicated to promoting high-quality learning through engaging recreational and ludic activities. Children from Belén, a disadvantaged neighborhood in Iquitos with limited educational resources, receive academic support in various subjects from local and international volunteers. Furthermore, they acquire knowledge on diverse topics related to personal growth and development, with the ultimate objective of cultivating responsible and engaged citizens.
What motivated you to focus on this particular education issue for your project?
The desire to effect positive change in society was the catalyst for my involvement in this project. I firmly believe that education from an early age is the crucial factor in shaping responsible and engaged citizens. Seeing the progress made by the children of Belén has been a source of immense encouragement, as it demonstrates the tangible impact of our project.
Can you share some of the activities or actions you took as part of your project?
The 'CASA JOABE' project provides a diverse array of activities, encompassing academic, cultural, and recreational pursuits. These activities include:
- Academic support and reinforcement
- Visual arts workshops (drawing and painting)
- Literacy programs and reading spaces
- Community film screenings
- Informational fairs focused on children's rights, comprehensive sex education, and violence prevention
- Sports and physical activity programs.
How did you and your team work together to make your project successful?
The 'CASA JOABE' team collaborated seamlessly throughout the project's implementation. Furthermore, the team benefited from capacity-building workshops and training sessions led by renowned educational experts, focusing on inclusive teaching methodologies and strategies for engaging children from diverse backgrounds.
Did you face any challenges while working on your project? How did you overcome them?
The 'CASA JOABE' project is currently facing a shortage of educational and recreational resources. Furthermore, the project is struggling with low participation rates among children, largely due to a lack of engagement and interest in their academic pursuits. Nevertheless, we are actively seeking to address the material shortage by pursuing funding opportunities from various sources. In parallel, we are promoting the space in Belén through outreach and recreational activities designed to engage local children and encourage their participation.
What do you think was the most important thing you learned from working on this project?
Throughout this experience, I've had the opportunity to cultivate empathy as a key skill. By bearing witness to the realities faced by these children, I've developed a profound understanding of the societal barriers that persist.
Can you describe any positive changes or improvements you observed as a result of your project?
One of the most significant outcomes of this project has been the marked improvement in academic performance among participating children. Furthermore, the project has also had a profound impact on the children's emotional well-being, with visible growth and development observed throughout the process.
Did you receive any feedback from your classmates, teachers, or community members about your project? If so, what was it?
Indeed, the parents of the children who participate in the 'CASA JOABE' program have reported noticeable improvements in their children's behavior and well-being since they began attending our facility.
How do you feel your project has contributed to promoting education and learning among your peers or in your community?
Our project has made a significant contribution to the ongoing improvement of children's educational and socio-emotional development, fostering their holistic growth across various domains.
What are your plans or ideas for continuing to work on education-related issues in the future?
Through my university studies, I aspire to design and propose initiatives that foster educational improvement in my local community, adopting a holistic and inclusive approach with long-term sustainability in mind. To maximize reach and effectiveness, I envision collaborating with Government entities to implement these measures.
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