The Alternative Learning Center (2002-present)
In 2002, UPAVIM established the Alternative Learning Center to offer children from La Esperanza and neighboring communities a school where they study in an atmosphere that is pleasant, stimulating, respectful and democratic. The school aims to inspire in the children a desire for learning so that they will keep studying their entire life. They are also taught to resolve interpersonal conflicts, to make decisions as group with consideration for individual needs, to respect their peers without discriminating according to race or gender; and to create within them a commitment to their community and their country. With all of this and a healthy sense of self-esteem, our children achieve their full potential, live in harmony, and learn to solve many of the problems that characterize our lives in La Esperanza.
Currently the Alternative Learning Center has classes from Kindergarten to 6th grade, attends to over 60 children and employs 8 teachers and a Director. The parents pay a montly fee of Q. 50.00 (US$6.25), members of UPAVIM pay Q. 25.00 (US$3.25) and UPAVIM awards ten scholarships a year. The school is funded by fees but mostly from the sale of our handmade crafts.
