Our 2024 Projects
project# 1/2024 - White boards
During our visit to this school in late 2023, we noticed that all the students' classrooms featured green squares painted on one of the walls. The teachers used these squares with chalk to present daily lessons. However, the paint was old, making it difficult to write on these "green boards."
To improve the situation, we decided to purchase four whiteboards, along with dry-erase markers (both black and colored) and soft erasers. When we arrived at the school on our first day in October 2024, accompanied by Liliana Otaola (my wife), Laura Cartwright (our volunteer from Boulder, CO), and a friend from San Salvador de Jujuy, Mr. Juan A. Olmos, we held a special meeting with all the students and faculty. As we opened the packages containing the whiteboards, the joy we witnessed among the students was truly remarkable. (See pictures on the IMAGES page.)
Map of Chucalezna town in the State of Jujuy - Argentina - South America.
School332
This school is located in the most northern State of Argentina.
project#2/2024 - Technology
When the 2024 school term began in March, our D-AR volunteer from Boulder, CO, Laura Cartwright, and the school’s English teacher, Judit Guanuco, started conducting English tutoring sessions via WhatsApp, using their cell phones due to the removal of the donated satellite dish that provided internet access.
To enhance these English tutoring classes, we decided to donate an HP laptop, allowing the teacher to research effective teaching methods and use the laptop with the students. The plan is to utilize Zoom links to connect with volunteers from the USA. (See pictures on the IMAGES page.)
Donating electronic equipment for internet research
Making Students happy
The ENG school Mrs. Judit Guanuco received a brand-new HP Windows 11 laptop. In this picture from L-R Hugo Otaola, Liliana Otaola, Laura Cartwright, and Mrs. Judit G.
project#3/2024 - a brand new microscope
In response to a request from a former schoolteacher, Mrs. Lucrecia Gonzalez, we purchased a microscope along with a ready-to-use set of various insects for observation and study. The response we received from the students was marvelous; their faces clearly reflected their excitement.
In these Urban areas close to this school are home to a variety of insect species that have adapted to human environments. Here are some of the most common insects typically found in cities, and included in the set we bought:
Ants: Species like the Argentine ant and pavement ant are prevalent in urban settings, often forming colonies in homes and gardens.
Cockroaches: Common species include the American cockroach and German cockroach, often found in kitchens and basements due to their preference for warmth and moisture.
Houseflies: These ubiquitous insects thrive in human habitats, attracted to food waste and decaying organic matter.
Mosquitoes: Species such as the Culex and Aedes mosquitoes are commonly found in urban areas, especially near standing water.
Termites: Subterranean and drywood termites can be common pests in urban buildings, causing damage to wooden structures.
Bed Bugs: These pests are often found in homes, hotels, and apartments, feeding on human blood during the night.
Spiders: Common urban spiders include the house spider and cellar spider, often found in corners and basements.
Donated School Materials
New microscope, new laptop, and dry erase markers and erases.
project #4/2024 - Dental cleaning classes
Due to Mrs. Laura Cartwright's service in the United States Army as a dental hygienist, we arranged with the school faculty for her to teach dental hygiene to all the students. I spoke with the director of a foundation in Buenos Aires, Argentina, known as 'Mana,' to provide toothpaste and brushes for 34 students. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Mr. Javier Gomez, Mana's CEO, for all the dental hygiene materials his foundation provided to us. We completed the gift bags with dental care items: toothpaste, brushes, small towels, and plastic cups. Seeing the students' surprised eyes when they received the gifts filled our hearts with pure joy. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your love with these students!
Availability
Some of the dental materials D-AR donated to Chucalezna School#332. More pictures in the Images page.
project #5/2024 - food for students
After watching Argentinian news channels in 2024 before our trip, we became aware of the difficult economic situation faced by families around the school. We decided to organize a fundraiser to help buy non-perishable food for the students. My wife and I went to a market in San Salvador de Jujuy that offers significant discounts when purchasing food in bulk. We were able to acquire milk, oil, various types of pasta, rice, tea, sugar, cocoa, and more.
On our final day at the school, some teachers with Liliana and Laura helped prepare the bags we purchased in Denver, filled with non-perishable food supplies. Our deepest gratitude goes to our donors for enabling this effort, which brought significant temporary relief to the students’ families.
Last visit day to this school with some nonperishable food for students’ families. More pictures under the IMAGES tab.
project #6/2024 - End of 2024 classes - December 2024
Our organization collaborated with Escuela [School Name] in San Salvador de Jujuy to support its annual "End of Classes" event, coordinated through Principal Jorge Vega. As part of this initiative, we awarded six backpacks filled with school supplies:
Three for top-performing 7th-grade students
Three for outstanding 6th-grade students
Local volunteers Juan and Mirta Olmos represented our organization, delivering the supplies and sharing an official letter of appreciation to the school community. This effort aligns with broader educational support initiatives in Jujuy Province, where community partnerships play a vital role in addressing resource gaps
Mr. Juan A. Olmos (our local volunteer) with the three top-performing 7th grade students. More pictures in our IMAGE page.