Intro To Right To Learn

1. Continuing a Dream An Education for All Presentation to the Methodist Church of Boca Grande .. By Louise Brunberg and James M.S. Johnson

Louise Brunberg

Louise Brunberg retired in 1993, after 30 years of teaching in Connecticut.

She first visited Nagarote, Nicaragua in 1993.

Louise was deeply moved by the

situation of the families and children.

She began visiting every year from then on.

Using her own savings, Louise opened a soup kitchen in 1996, so that the poorest families could receive at least one meal a day.

Eventually she began teaching a small group of children in a building donated by the mayor.

The school grew over the years, receiving help from volunteers and generous donors.

Urban population of approximately 20,000 people.

Located only 42 miles from the capital city of Managua.

Lies close to Lake Managua and Momotombo Volcano (seen in background).

Surrounding area consists of rural villages, farms and ranches.

Famous forquesillos, genizarotree, and clean streets.

Great economic inequality among the residents.

Escuela de Sueos de Luisa (School of Louises Dreams)

Today, the school enrolls over 200 children between preschool and 4 thgrade.

There are both morning and afternoon sessions.

The children that attend the school come from Nagarotes most impoverished

neighborhoods, and are unable or

unlikely to attend the public schools.

At the school, the children are

provided all their educational

necessities:

School supplies

Transportation

Breakfast

Uniform

School of Louises Dreams quickly grew too big for the original building.

In 2008, a generous donor provided the money necessary to build a new, larger school.

The new facilities now have five classrooms, an office, library, and kitchen.

A bus was donated, for transporting the children to and from school.

Recent projects!!!

Cubbies and shelves were built for storage.

A chimney was placed in the kitchen.

Water tanks were installed at the school.

Computers and internet service are available.

Water barrels were donated to families.

Gifts were delivered from the Venice Elementary School.

School of Louises Dreams employs 17 teachers and staff members.

The school provides secure employment for many teachers who otherwise are unable

to find work, due to a lack of positions in the public schools.

Employees medical costs are provided for.

Teachers receive Montessori training by expert volunteers.

In 2007, Louise began inviting Montessori teachers to train the schools staff in these advanced approaches to teaching.

A Montessori expert, Marie Scott, makes frequent visits to Nagarote to help continue the training.

The teachers are now implementing Montessori techniques in the classrooms,

with the help of donated materials.

This progression is a revolutionary change for the educational culture of Nicaragua,

which is based on rote learning and memorization.

The Right to Learn hopes to be able to train teachers outside the school in the future.

The Right to Learn financially assists approximately 50 students annually to attend college.

We provide an average of $30 a month for the students transportation costs.

We also cover the cost to receive their professional licensing, which can cost up to $700 US dollars.

Success Stories!!!

Elias earned degree in computer science, now an employee of School of Louises Dreams

Juan Pablo earned degree ineconomics, now works for the Nagarote mayors office

The Right to Learn is:

A group of volunteers from around the country

A 501(c)(3) organization

An organization dedicated to providing a free education, of the

highest quality, to the underprivileged children of Nicaragua

Our Predicament

School of Louises Dreams was established and maintained for over 11 years, relying almost entirely on the personal savings of Louise Brunberg.

Currently, the school is surviving on a minimal sum of $3,850 a month.

This means of funding is not secure or sustainable for the future.

The continued presence of the school, and the wellbeing of over 200 children, will depend on the sponsorship of private donors.

Our Solution

Improved structure and organization within The Right to Learn=Accomplished

A formulated fundraising effort= Under way

Increased involvement of donors and volunteers= Developing

Sustained support from donors= Needed

Sponsorship

A monthly contribution

Packages:

Silver Benefactor($25 per month) = provide one child with all their monthly educational necessities

Gold Benefactor($50 per month) = provide one college student with all their monthly educational necessities

Platinum Benefactor($100 per month) = support the entire program and help to develop new programs or facility improvements

Custom Sponsorship(custom value) = support any program of your choosing

One-time Donation

A one-time, custom value of your choosing, supporting any program of your choosing.

In-Kind Donation

A material donation of your choosing.

Volunteer

Support us with your time and effort, either from home or by joining us on trips to Nagarote.

Donate online using your credit or debit card at:

www.therighttolearn.org

Send a check made out to Right to Learn:Barbara Temple,Treasurer Right to Learn PO Box 165 Block Island, RI 02807

Fill out a donation form today!!!