Pachavita #2

Pachavita | Boyaca | Colombia |

In our return to Pachavita, we knew exactly what to bring to the Llanogrande elementary school. Our past experience with the Pachavita community in 2010 was extraordinary, and our goals with this project primarily were to provide more educational materials, infrastructure, and technology to Llanogrande. This time we came equipped to Pachavita with 50+ books, 2 computers, sports equipment, school materials and internet service for a year, a projector, sound system, shoes, groceries, new chairs, 2 printers, and sports equipment. SEF also provided materials and labour to build a masonry oven and fence for the school, in addition to painting a world mural in the school. SEF received amazing dancing and singing performances from the students as a thank you.

Community Overview

Pachavita is a picturesque farming village hidden amidst the Andes mountain range. Due to its secluded location and small size, this almost unknown town has been stagnant for the last 4 decades. With very little income and lack of other critical resources, the community has been experiencing a decline in education quality. The lack of education in the family has brought family violence which has beenreflected in the youth’s attitude, violence and now drug use. The Llanogrande primary school of 35-30 students is led by teacher Jose, who acts as the teacher, principal, maintenance man, counselor, and cook. The school has the basics- a bathroom, a kitchen, a teaching room, and a storage room where their few computers are stored. The school has an annual budget of $160 usd. With that kind of budget, Mr. Jose must fundraise to get the absolute basics for his students each semester.