|
One of the ongoing challenges of education, especially basic education is providing challenges for gifted and talented students. This is a special challenge in Solentiname, where we are having trouble even providing basic education, both in primary and colegio levels, but none the less, these specially gifted youth are the future of Solentiname and Nicaragua. If we do not provide a challenge for them, they will either drop out because they are not challenged, or not be on the same level as other University students who have attended daily colegio.
Sobresalientes is a multi-faceted program to expand the educational opportunities for gifted and motivated (sobresalientes) secondary students in Solentiname; to enable them to reach their true potential and be better prepared for post secondary education. It is an innovative “school in a school” complementing the rudimentary government primary and secondary school system. Our approach includes a focus on developing critical thinking and creative learning. The goal is to use these new tools to get the students thinking for themselves, and developing a lifelong love of learning. Capatacion para Universidad (CPU) and Leer Solentiname are the foundation of Sobresaliente.
-
Capacitación para Universidad (CPU) Solentiname: Historically the transition to daily University has been very difficult even for the best students from Solentiname, and the objective is to offer Advanced Placement courses for students who are interested in attending University so that they are better prepared to compete with students from daily colegios. We are providing 25 students with scholarships to support their continued education.
-
Leer Solentiname Many students in Solentiname read below their age/grade level. The focus of this project is to implement a reading program in conjunction with the primary schools and through a summer reading program offered by the Alianza. Research has shown that learning to read at a young age is crucial for some of the following reasons.
-
Children who are good readers are more likely to succeed in school and stay in school.
-
Reading promotes development of the critical thinking skills that will help young people make good choices, succeed in life and contribute positively to their communities.
-
Reading encourages thinking, reflecting and the cultivation of truth. Children who are exposed to more literacy experiences early in their development are positioned to take advantage of further educational opportunities.
-
Conclusive data shows that students who do not develop reading and literacy skills fall progressively further behind with each grade.
-
Sister Schools is a unique initiative for primary, middle and high school students, linking schools in Solentiname with other schools in cross-cultural classroom learning partnerships. The Project builds and connects via the internet communities of youth action through cultural understanding, leadership training, and community service.
-
Visiting professors is an initiative for North American high school and college teachers to volunteer teaching for several weeks during their summer vacation. Bilingual teachers will teach their subject, and others will assist/tutor in the ESL program as home stays in remote communities in Solentiname.
-
Exchange students, both for a student from Solentiname to attend high school or University in the United States, and for US students to attend colegio in Solentiname and volunteer. We have several excellent candidates from Solentiname at this time.
|
