EDUCATION

FIRST IN A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
An environmental and technology-based program in a primary and secondary school in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua using One Lap Top Per Child, (OLPC XOs), or equivalent computers to create an educational curriculum driven by the specific needs of the community and its members. Teachers will be trained by GHF in the use of interactive teaching strategies and the implementation of technology in order to create organic gardens using drip irrigation as their school projects. The curriculum will focus on teaching students academic and technological skills, organic gardening, and the importance of preserving their environment and its inhabitants. Using the XOs students will have the opportunity to enhance their experience and learn the necessary technological skills needed to succeed in today’s global society. They will use the computers to practice language, math and science skills, conduct research, calculate production and track progress of their gardens while at the same time maintaining journals and writing stories about their experiences. These can and will be shared with other students locally and world-wide. The ultimate goal is to bring students into 21st century learning while at the same time instilling the value of creativity, hard work and self-esteem as major factors in their learning process. By working together towards a common goal students will learn the value of education, hard work and create a cooperative working environment conducive to learning where each individual is valued for their contribution.
As a second initiative, GHF is currently working on a similar proposal that will be presented to the government of the Dominican Republic similar in mission, but geared towards the specific needs and goals of teachers and students in that country.