The recognition was awarded by its Innovative Vocational Guidance, Mentoring and Labor Inclusion Programswhich seek to transform the reality of young people in the Las Tunas neighborhoodin Tigre, through a quality education. This area of the Buenos Aires metropolitan area presents Alarming figures: 73% of heads of household did not complete secondary school, 62% live in precarious conditions and 47% face overcrowdingaccording to data collected in surveys conducted by the school in 2022.
A program that seeks labor and social change
On a rainy Thursday at 2 p.m., four young people gather around a table. They are former students looking to enter the job market through the school’s Labor Inclusion Program. “We meet with them every three weeks to help them find a job,” explains Lucía Ferreyra, tutor and coordinator of the program. The goal is for at least each young person to leave the meeting with a completed job application.
The program is aimed at young people up to 25 years old that have already finished high school. Over the course of three months, participants They develop skills to enter the workforce. They receive training in digital skills, such as Resume creation and using LinkedInin addition to technical training, such as logistics, and social skills.
Santiago Martínez, 19, sums up his experience: “They prepared us for job interviews, we simulated real situations and we worked a lot on self-knowledge and teamwork.” Celeste, 25, says: “I finished school at 17 and had a daughter at 18. I wanted to continue studying, but I couldn’t because of the schedule. The workshop helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses.”
Once the youth complete the workshop, The program continues its work progress for another three months.accompanying them in their new job and maintaining contact with the hiring companies. In addition, Twice a year, the school follows up with graduates to evaluate their progress.. At the moment, 40% of those who complete the program get their first formal job.
Vocational guidance
At the secondary level, the school also implements a Career guidance and mentoring program which offers personalized support from the first year. “We work on emotional development in the first years, and in the last years, we focus on preparation for the world of work,” says Catalina Ferreccio, director of the program.
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Courtesy of the Maria de Guadalupe Foundation
This comprehensive approach has borne fruit: while only 16 out of every 100 students in Argentina finish high school on time with the expected knowledge, according to data from the Argentinos por la Educación Observatory, María de Guadalupe School has a promotion rate of 99%. Furthermore, 44% of its graduates continue with higher education, a number significantly higher than the national average of low-income youth, which is 17.5%.
A model of comprehensive education
The demand to enter the school is highwith six applicants for each available vacancy. “This level of demand reflects the real need of families,” says Luis Arocha, executive director of the Maria de Guadalupe Foundation. Admission priority is given to siblings of students and families in vulnerable situationssuch as single mothers or those going through legal proceedings.
Mercedes Henderson, General Coordinator of Institutional Development, highlights that the school not only offers quality education, but also real opportunities for its students. The bond with families is essential and each student has the support of a tutor throughout their school career. This monitoring includes home visits and ongoing contact with families to identify needs and provide additional support.
History and expansion of the project
The Maria de Guadalupe School opened its doors in 2012thanks to the initiative of María Paz Mendizábal and Ruby Souviron, founder of Despegar, who began providing school support in the neighborhood. Initially, they offered primary education and, Four years later, they opened the secondary levelIn 2018, they built their own building and, in 2019, the first class of students graduated. In 2023, they expanded their project with the opening of a kindergarten and a new institution, the Rosario Vera Peñaloza School, in Garín, which already has 225 students.
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Courtesy of the Maria de Guadalupe Foundation
The Maria de Guadalupe Foundation It is supported by Donations and partnerships with the public and private sectors. He 58% of its income comes from subsidies for teaching staff in the province of Buenos Aireswhile 12% comes from social contributions paid by families who can afford to pay. The rest is covered with contributions from civil society and committed donors.
María Luz Diez, director of Institutional Development, invites those who wish to collaborate to make their donations through the school’s website: www.mariaguadalupe.org.ar.
Source: Ambito
