Elqui Valley schools implement English immersion and violence prevention programs

Educational initiatives are being implemented across the Elqui Valley to enhance student learning and school environments. In Paihuano and Vicuña, approximately 200 students from nine public schools participated in linguistic immersion sessions. Led by Fundación Educacional Oportunidad and SLEP Elqui, the program used games, songs, and storytelling to teach English to primary school children, aiming to increase auditory comprehension and vocabulary through interactive play.

Simultaneously, the “A Convivir Se Aprende” program has been launched to address school violence and mental health. This Ministry of Education initiative, executed by Universidad Andrés Bello, utilizes the “Total School Model” to improve school climate. The program will provide direct support to 10 schools in La Higuera, Vicuña, and Paihuano, while extending network-based territorial work to 50 establishments within the SLEP Elqui service area, including La Serena.