Grand Opening for Library/Computer Room Primary School at Nuevo Pantoja

By Bill Wilkinson

This very multicultural event was held on Monday, January 10. Several NGOs are involved with the school and each was given time to describe their programs. Rafael Franco spoke for Feed the Hungry and told of finding the mothers fixing lunch for the students in an outdoor kitchen regardless of the weather. FTH committed to providing food to the school but it needed a proper kitchen. Franco built a beautiful kitchen and dining room in 2018.

Daniela Franco (no relation) explained the Libros para Todos program of having older students read a book and have the authors come to the school to talk about their writing. This will all happen in March and this year will include an opera performance at the San Miguel Playhouse, which is the subject of the book. This program inspires reading and cultural awakening.

Les Pearson and Jennifer Butz brought the Three Kings to the school. After having the students entertain the guests with two songs, the Kings handed out their gifts. The kids went home happy.

The highlight among the speakers was Margarita Cabrera’s return to the school. Cabrera was the original teacher for Nueva Pantoja and she started by teaching many dozens of students under a tree in 1987. The first classroom was built in 1989, followed by more classrooms. The school has 165 students now. Cabrera could barely dream of what the school has turned into.

Bill Wilkinson introduced the finished library and computer room to the students, teachers, parents, and guests. The small building has come a long way since our first involvement in 2019. The room has 16 new Chromebooks and more than 300 books. The work to rehab the building took efforts from venders, volunteers, and the parents.

This success was due to the strong support and desire to improve her school as shown by the principal, Julieta Rodriguez Olalde. Wilkinson and Rodriguez communicate via Google translate, but were always on the same page. Wilkinson’s efforts were supported by willing volunteers and donors that shared the vision, particularly Betse Davies and Mary Young.

Pantoja marks the third library and computer room built by Wilkinson and his support group. He and his wife, Jane, have a 501c3 called Apoyo Escolar. They often compare efforts and collaborate with other NGO’s. Wilkinson helped organize a Zoom call in November with Jovenes Adelante, Caminos de Agua, and others to raise awareness among university students of the problems with water in our area.