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Headshot Young Girl

Paula Castellote

VIA24

Argentina

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Challenge

My challenge is to develop educational opportunities for people from vulnerable contexts in order to and foster a more equitable society. Addressing the widening gap between individuals who have access to quality education and those who struggle to cope with the demands of the job market is crucial today. The gap in digital literacy and access to technology deepens this gap, together with the meager development of “soft Skills” such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. As an educator in a school with high academic standards and a supportive environment, I am fortunate to have access to cutting edge resources that contribute to our students' success. However, this also highlights a significant disparity when compared to schools in underprivileged areas, where access to similar resources is limited or nonexistent. In rural areas the limited access to schools, libraries, and technological infrastructure can undermine educational opportunities. I lead the “Service Learning Program” at my school connecting student learning in the classroom with real-world experiences in the community, including CAS ( Creativity Activity Service) experiences that are part of the International Baccalaurate Diploma Program. We have worked since 2001 with two schools in the province of Santiago del Estero in Argentina, improving infrastructure and providing resources for teachers and students in a very disadvantaged rural area. We also work with a community in a slum area near our school in Buenos Aires, supporting an after school program intended to help students improve their academic capability. Families face numerous challenges both, financial and social. But most of all, the lack of opportunities results from lack of education in the responsible adults in the families. These obstacles contribute to a cycle of disadvantage, making it difficult for these parents or caregivers to get good jobs and be ready to succeed in a highly competitive society.

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