Computer Project at School in San Juan de la Cruz, Yamabal, Morazan, El Salvador

The purpose of this project was to better prepare students for future employment using computers. In July 2001, CliniCASA was contacted by Casiano Lazo, the principal of a school in San Juan de la Cruz, called Blanca Benitez de Flores School.  His idea was to establish a computation center in the school for the students to learn how to use a computer.  CliniCASA responded by sending 2 used computers to the school. After a year, the project was evaluated and found to be successful, but they needed more computers. CliniCASA was able to send 6 more computers.  Even with these limitations, the program was successful and students were learning how to use computers.  According to reports from parents and teachers, because of this educational program, students from San Juan de la Cruz, were the best prepared to continue their studies in the city. Unfortunately, the new school principal was appointed who did not have the same vision so the computer program collapsed.   The computers are still at the school but are not being used. This was CliniCASA’s first project developing a school computer program.  The second computer project was for the school at Llano de los Patos in La Unión, El Salvador. Llano de los Patos is a rural community in the state of La Union, the most eastern state in El Salvador and which lies at the Gulf of Fonseco.  For many years the government has been constructing a modern seaport in La Union where international cargo and tourist ships could dock.  This promises to provide many different kinds of jobs, but, as all over the world, many of these would require a basic knowledge of computers.   CliniCASA was contacted by a principal of the school in Llano de los Patos and asked to help plan for the future. The school at Llano de los Patos, which educates 350 children in grades 1-7, did not have any computers or courses for students.  CliniCASA began organizing the community by calling a meeting with teachers, parents and students to discuss the need for computer education. The school agreed to provide a room for the computers and CliniCASA would provide 6 used computers and would pay for a classroom computer instructor for 6 months. The parents agreed to continue to pay for classes after the pilot of 6 months and to maintain the computers. Over 3 years, CliniCASA delivered 22 computers that were donated by various groups and individuals in the United States.  During this time all the students in the school received basic education in computation and enjoyed the opportunity.  The teachers who had not had previous exposure to computers were the slower to adjust. Currently, because of a change in the school administration, the computer program is no longer functioning well, but it is hoped that in the future, the great need for computer education will be recognized.