Beyond the Classroom (Más Allá del Aula)

Beyond the Classroom is a free, long-term extracurricular program aimed at preschool and elementary school children in situations of socio-economic vulnerability. We work with three public schools in the community of La Paz: two elementary schools (one first-grade class, two third-grade classes, and two fifth-grade classes) and one kindergarten (two third-grade classes), benefiting approximately 150 children.

Activities are implemented during the week within the participating educational institutions after the school day. These are led by facilitators trained by Abrapalabra, some of them are part of the school’s core staff while others are external facilitators specifically selected to implement the program.

Beyond the Classroom features 5 lines of action, which are guided by the facilitators with the help of “work guides”.

The five lines of action are:

1. Environment
2. Oceans
3. Education for Life (emotional health, financial education, among others)
4. Art (reading, reading comprehension, writing, manual activities)
5. Kinesthetic and Movement Activities / Robotics Program

The success of the program is due to several key factors:

• Collaborative work with the schools; directors not only support the program but are actively involved in its promotion with members of the school community.
• Work guides designed by experts exclusively for the program and for the children’s academic levels.
• It is a free program that also offers a free nutritious and balanced pre-session lunch, prepared by professionals from various fields.
• Facilitators are motivated and take the necessary time for the preparation and logistics of each class.
• Acceptance and support from the families of the children participating in the program.