Fundación Uniendo Caminos offers school support to children, young people, and adults in Buenos Aires

For students who live in poverty, the challenges of daily life, a lack of resources, and violence are just some of the factors that prevent them from finishing school on time and reaching their full academic potential. 

Barracas is one of the most marginalized neighborhoods in the city of Buenos Aires. According to recent data, 45% of the young people who live here do not complete their secondary education, and 70% of adolescents who drop out of school do so before the age of 16. These figures reflect a cycle of poverty and exclusion that is perpetuated from generation to generation, aggravated by a lack of opportunities. 

The “El Rincón de la Familia” school support center, located in Villa 21.24 in Barracas, has been helping children and young people living in that community since 2001.

This is a support program for students who need to improve their school performance by reinforcing specific content. The vast majority come from families facing social, economic, cultural, and health disadvantages, and they struggle to get access to basic resources and services that would enable them to develop and improve their quality of life. This makes it necessary to establish specific strategies that address the fact that these kids have a harder time continuing their education than others.

Their approach to bring about a major reorganization of the students’ educational pathways is to develop alternative teaching methods that offer new opportunities. Learning is supported by tutors who are part of Fundación Uniendo Caminos. Volunteers get involved, too, actively promoting social participation to achieve a more equitable community. Families also receive support, and are encouraged to take an active role in their children’s education.