Vereda La Vaca, Vereda El Noral, Copacabana, Antioquia
La Veta School is located in the village of the same name in the municipality of Copacabana. It is 25 minutes away from the municipal capital by public transportation.
The school attends 24 students from preschool to fifth grade, under the Escuela Nueva Activa model, which promotes active, participatory and personalized learning; it facilitates the management of different learning rhythms in the classroom and promotes a change in the role of the teacher, who is traditionally a transmitter of information to a role of mentor and facilitator, as well as a greater integration of the school with the family and the community.
The Farmer Brown Cares Foundation provides financial and educational support to this school to generate better future opportunities for its students. They are provided with computer equipment, additional classes and learning platforms for English and programming.
Additionally, we support the creation of self-sustainable vegetable gardens so that children learn the value of the land and the opportunities it offers. As well as entrepreneurial projects.
Other projects include the provision of a robot so that the school has an approach to the technology of these generations and knows the possibilities it offers, such as the expansion of knowledge, in addition to the creation of educational parks for the free development of personality and intrapersonal interaction.
Each of these activities is explained in more detail below.
Garden or orchard
We decided to build the farm to raise awareness for animals and allow the children to feed themselves better by supplementing the school menu with eggs from happy hens, which they take care of. They named them Pluki, Josefina, and Piolina.
The national rate of child malnutrition is 13.2%, but in some regions, such as Vaupés, it reaches 34.7%.
To make sure it was beautiful and productive, we started by preparing the area, then the kids planted the seeds and we assigned chores to water them regularly. After a few weeks, the garden began to take shape. Now the plants are growing and it is a beautiful addition to the foundation. Soon the children will be able to supplement their school menu with their own vegetables.
The garden is mainly tended by the children but we also have a gardener from the foundation who helps them once a week. The project was developed with the future of a world focused on sustainability and providing an extra source of income for the escuelita. We are very proud of the result and grateful to have been able to help with this cause.
The kids named the garden “Huerta Infantil La Veta”.
Farm
Henhouse
We decided to build the farm both to raise awareness for animals and to allow the children to feed themselves better by supplementing the school menu with eggs from happy hens, which they themselves take care of. They named them Pluki, Josefina and Piolina.
We designed the coop according to the space and built it in a matter of days with the help of a great engineer. When we delivered it, the children were thrilled to have their own chickens and to be able to take care of them. They want to present them to all visitors to the school.
Mini Pigs
We decided to include minipigs to teach the children about empathy, caring for animals, and the fun of sharing with them. They have become very attached to George and Oreo, the two wolverines who are currently at the school in the specially designed space designed to meet their needs. It’s great to see our work having a positive impact on the community. Soon we will be bringing in rabbits to further expand the farm.
Midmorning Fruits
Fruits are an important source of nutrients and vitamins that not only delight our children but also help them develop defenses, providing energy and vitality for their growth. In Colombia, low-income children rarely consume fruits, affecting their nutrition.
That is why every afternoon, the children receive a snack of fresh and healthy fruit after their studies, which is delivered to the foundation by the greengrocer ”Don Pacho”, who is in charge of selecting the fruits every Sunday and transporting them to our school.
Every Sunday afternoon “Don Pacho” sends a list and photos of the fruits of the season that once selected are transported to the school, to give them a healthy snack in the afternoons after their studies, fresh and organic fruit accompanies them every day.
Park
Building the park for our kids was a fun challenge. There was nothing like it in the area, so we knew they would love it. First, we had to raise enough funds to build it. Then we took measurements and found the right design to begin construction.
The process was a bit long but seeing the children’s faces light up as they play in the new playground is an unforgettable experience. They usually ask the teachers for five minutes between classes to go to the park. Sometimes they even visit the school on weekends, along with other children from the area, as it is their favorite place to play.
Knowing that we have made a difference in their lives is one of the most rewarding feelings, and that is why we continue to build projects for those in need.
Computer Room
We are firm believers that learning English and computer skills are key steps for children’s future; both skills help develop critical thinking and easy access to knowledge. They are also increasingly needed in the job market, so by creating a strong foundation we can help them have better opportunities and in many cases, lift them out of poverty.
The school did not have a place where they could learn how to use computers for their studies or homework. The new computer room is a great improvement, we adapted the space and donated new and fast equipment that provides a perfect tool to facilitate learning. We delivered 20 computers and a video beam. It has made a big difference to the school and we are happy to have been able to help.
Extra Classes
English classes
English is considered the universal language, which is why the newest and most updated information is disseminated in this language. Learning it opens up a wide range of possibilities for people all over the world.
The foundation provides daily English classes for the children, where grammar, listening, and pronunciation lessons are applied according to their age and needs to open the opportunity to see the world through bilingualism and to change their lives by learning a second language.
The teacher visits the school every day, distributing her classes according to the children’s ages. She teaches vocabulary, grammar and basic communication skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing.
In addition, the foundation offers a subscription to the ELSA application, with which each child can practice pronunciation at his or her own pace.
In addition, the purpose of this proposal is to give children the key bases for learning the language and to interest them in it so that in the future they will have the possibility of using it in their lives, obtaining better opportunities and opening a world of knowledge.
Music & Art
The purpose of this project is to stimulate children through artistic expressions such as music, painting, literature, dance and corporal expression, which enhance their integral development and the use of their free time. Additionally, it aims to sensitize the community about music as an artistic expression and form of communication.
Through artistic expression and musical education, children can express themselves and develop both hemispheres of the brain. Through the learning of musical instruments, starting with claves, sounds, and songs, among others, children approach the awareness of music as a means of expression of their feelings and as a new passion for learning.
For this reason, on Saturdays, the children carry out different activities such as children’s rounds where singing, playing instruments, dancing, and corporal expression are combined. They perform various games and activities of recognition of shapes, objects, sounds, memorization, and others.
Programming
In today’s age there is an increasing demand for programmers in many areas of work. Therefore, teaching children the basics of this discipline can open doors to a sea of possibilities.
With the CodeMonkey application and instructions from a foundation volunteer, children can learn while having fun.
Classes are held every two weeks and the kids can practice in their free time. In addition, from time to time we bring a robot to school for the kids to have fun, give instructions and see the magic of programming in action.
Classroom
The foundation has truly changed the lives of many children by giving them access to quality education, which is paramount and should be a right to which everyone has access.
In addition to our incredible teachers who give extra classes, we work daily to ensure that the students at Farmer Brown Cares are prepared to learn and develop in a dignified environment, providing spaces with the best conditions. We bring new tables, chairs, and other necessary school supplies.
Sports Court
The adequacy of the sports field is a dream in process, we know that it will generate a great impact on the school and the community. At the moment, there is no space to practice sports and physical activity in the area, as the ground is neglected, very smooth and is peeling. In addition, the nets are torn and need to be replaced.
We need to improve this space where children play and exercise daily. The community also comes together to use it and this helps to strengthen relationships, and promote health and sports.
