The "Luces para Aprender" project is honoured for its services to rural education

The 4th "Seminario Internacional de Investigación sobre Educación Rural" (international research seminar on rural education) was held last week in Uruguay. Specialists on the subject from different Latin American countries came together.

During the opening of the meeting, institutions, projects and groups that contribute to the quality of education and life of girls and boys in rural areas through were recognised for their exemplary work. Two projects, "Luces para Aprender" and "Proyecto de Salud Bucal Rural", promoted by the nation's First Lady, María Auxiliadora Delgado, were honoured.

Last June, the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI), the National Administration of Electricity Generation and Transport (UTE) and the Elecnor Foundation signed an addendum to the agreement signed in the framework of the "Luces para Aprender" project. The second phase of this project will enable renewable energy equipment to be installed in clean energy learning spaces, community businesses and in the homes of students not reached by power lines.

UTE Director, Walter Sosa, recalled the origins of the programme. He explained that he considered that it was in line with one of the UTE's strategic principles, which is to reach all institutions and all households in the country with electrical energy, "no matter their socio-economic status or geographical location, thus contributing to greater equality".

Meanwhile, Jorge Ballester, Director of the Elecnor Foundation, stated that this is the foundation's most emotional project, recalling that "we were lucky enough to be able to spend a fortnight travelling around rural schools across the country; that's when it became clear that we had to do this project". He stressed that "unity and hard work have made this project successful". He quoted Aristotle, who believed that the roots of education were bitter, but its fruits were very sweet. "We must have the patience to invest in social projects that do not have immediate results. Together we are planting a small seed that will give us sweet fruit in a few years' time" he said.

Near yet far

First Lady and patron of the "Programa de Salud Bucal", María Auxiliadora Delgado, shared a few words with those present, highlighting the work carried out by the programme since its creation. "Luckily, an enormous number of dentists accepted all of the rural schools that needed visiting, making it a success. At first, the children thought the dentists were teachers", she recalled.