The village of El Paraiso is located about a 2-hour drive west of the capital, Tegucigalpa. The Escuela Oberto Suazo Cordova currently has 5 classrooms. 360 children have to be taught in shifts, with 15 teachers alternating between morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning, children from first to third grade attend classes, and in the afternoon, the older children. It is the only school in the area. Children of school age from surrounding villages also attend school there. Another 100 children are waiting for a place in the school, but due to lack of capacity and classrooms, they cannot be admitted.
Unfortunately, there is no money to expand the school. If there were more space, these children could also be accommodated. The existing classrooms are in a dilapidated condition: holes in the ceilings, broken windows, and partly damaged desks. Most of the furniture dates back to 1983.
We plan to build two new rooms in the first year, directly adjacent to the existing 5 classrooms and of the same size. Next to them, we plan to build toilet facilities, as the existing toilets are far too few and in very poor condition. The classrooms will be equipped with desks and chairs made by a local carpenter.
We have received a quote from a local contractor for a total of EUR 7,400 for the construction of the new schoolrooms and toilets. Additionally, we need to equip the rooms with 20 desks and 40 chairs.
You can follow the project in the photo gallery.
