Magis Americas Programs
Improving Teacher Training
Partnering with the Association of Jesuit Colleges in Latin America, the current program curriculum will be developed into an accredited degree program. Building from material already in place, FyA will add modules on currently un-addressed issues such as the environment, gender and human rights. They will also improve the pedagogical methods taught based on the most recent techniques developed by the universities, and will establish basic standards for the reading, writing and math modules.
Mobile Computer Labs
Out of all of FyA's schools in 16 countries, only 15% have computers, and even fewer are connected to the internet. Many schools that do have computers are using old, outdated models that were donated years ago. Implementing computer labs is easiest in urban schools, and the International Federation of FyA (IFFyA) has up until now focused there. Rural schools have been left somewhat behind, however, and IFFyA has determined to improve computer coverage in rural areas. IFFyA seeks funding for an international initiative to create 20 mobile computer labs for rural schools in selected countries, train teachers to use them, educate their students, and open up the centers for use by community members.
Education for Indigenous Students in Bolivia
In Bolivia, one of the poorest countries in Latin America, many indigenous populations live in extreme poverty and isolation with no access to schools. FyA has developed the solution of establishing a network of 19 boarding schools that children can attend and live in during the week, returning to their homes on weekends. The schools provide food, lodging, and after-school activities Monday through Friday, in addition to a high quality FyA education.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Education in Dominican Republic
This program created a culture of civil participation in the five selected communities (Guachupita, La Cienega, Los Alcarrizos, Villas Agrícolas, and Pizarrete), based on public knowledge and involvement in debates about matters of public interest.It implemented methodological and practical instruments for involving civil society in the design, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of educational policies, allowing the experience to be replicated in other communities.
2,693 current students and future students from the five schools benefited both from the experience of taking a vigorous role in the policy-making process and from the resulting improvements in their education.
Presently, we seek funding for a pilot program which integrates information and communication technologies in classrooms for the benefit of special education students in five Latin American countries. The cost of the program for two years is $839,242. FyA has already raised $178,320 for its operation.