Argentina: Improving Children Access to Education

Every gesture matters and leaves a lasting impact. We want to share the story of Ostin, a preschool student in a school in the city of Santa Fe, whose life was profoundly affected in 2024 thanks to the generosity of his individual donor.

Ostin is 5 years old and attends a school in a peripheral neighborhood of the city. His educational journey has been strengthened by the support of donors, through whom he and his family were able to acquire essential items that transformed their daily lives: they purchased a set of sheets and a comforter for the bed he shares with his little brother, personal hygiene products, and clothing so he could attend school.

It is important to note that Ostin lives in a vulnerable household with his mother, grandmother, and two siblings. The family has very limited income, relying on a retirement pension and occasional domestic work.

Beyond material support, what fills Ostin with the most hope is knowing that someone, from afar, thinks of him, supports him, and cares about his well-being.

Thank you to everyone who is part of this incredible solidarity network!

Rosario, just 13 years old, gives us a glimpse into her life in the rural village of Puesto Los Pérez, where she lives with her mother and sister. She attends El Palancho Secondary School, a small but welcoming institution with an agroecological garden where students learn to cultivate the land. There, Rosario is in her second year of secondary school, a place that is not only for study but also for friendship and personal growth. In her free time, she loves to dance and ride her bike, two activities that reflect her energy and free spirit.

Rosario’s eyes light up when she talks about the opportunities ACDI has given her to keep learning. One of the most impactful moments for her was participating in the digital literacy workshop held at the village’s connectivity center. For the first time, she had the opportunity to learn how to use a laptop, explore its programs, and discover the digital world. For Rosario, this was a transformative experience, as she doesn’t have access to a computer at home or at school. She is grateful for the opportunity ACDI provided, allowing her to connect with new technological tools that will open doors for her future.

But her learning experience didn’t stop there. Rosario also participated in financial education workshops, where she learned the importance of saving and how to organize her family’s monthly budget. Smiling, she tells us that she’s already putting what she learned into practice at home, helping her mother better plan the household expenses.

The school’s agroecological garden has also become a key space for her education. Through ACDI’s workshops, Rosario has learned how to care for crops and understands that each plant requires special attention. Additionally, the Kokue App, developed by ACDI, has been a great resource for deepening her knowledge. Rosario enjoys exploring the app and applying what she learns in the school’s garden.