COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN QUINTO CONGRESSO NEIGHBORHOOD

Every year, our community preschool program provides ´Learn through Play' lessons to 60 local children. For children who would otherwise stay at home until primary school, this exposure to the national language, as well as a chance to develop foundational skills in math, language, and social skills through play, can be life-changing. The school also provides free lunch and other resources, and encourages diverse physical activity.

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The preschool difference lasts well into adulthood with better health, income and further education according to longitudinal studies.

In March of 2024, Tropical storm Filipo caused major damage to the school and there is an urgent need to undertake infrastructure repairs. You can help by donating to the campaign on GlobalGiving and spread the word (see link above).

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The Bonguile Project is Bahia Mar’s Responsible Tourism community project that links guests to to the preschool and leverages their financial support to cover 90% of the costs of the preschool including subsidies for the teachers, professional development, porridge and supplies.

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We thank Bahia Mar guests for making the Bonguile project possible over the last several years, especially Debbie Osborne and her friends from the UK, mother and daughter guests Bernadette and Gina from Austria, Bob and Niamh Leeney from Ireland, as well as members of the UCC church in Cornwall CT.

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