Sariry Update – February 2013
The 2012 project evaluation is wrapping up and the Alma Foundation has begun the planning process
for the new 2013 partner project with the Sariry Foundation in Viacha, Bolivia.
In 2012, Alma paid for a Sariry educator who worked with 73 children and 25 parents on pedagogic and
cultural programs within Sariry, as well as with 599 students, 170 parents, and 22 school teachers in
three neighborhood schools in themes including anti-violence campaigns, sexual reproductive health,
and communication skills. In addition, Alma built a new classroom for Sariry to help them accommodate
the increasing number of students who attend their internal programs.
The 2012 program was a success. For the first time at Sariry, none of the 73 children who attended the
Sariry pedagogic programs were asked to recuperate a subject or held back a grade in school. Moreover,
all students, parents, and teacher who received in-school work shops from Sariry facilitators showed
strong comprehension of the covered topics during the evaluation sessions.
In 2013, the Alma and Sariry Foundations hope to build on that success by expanding the internal and
external workshops to new families and schools, reaching 742 children and 196 teachers and parents.
Alma funds will be used to hire an educator, a psychologist, and a facilitator to implement Sariry’s
expanded program of “Prevention and Attention” to the low academic performance and high incidence
of violence in the Viacha slums. The program will work with children, parents, and teachers within Sariry
and inside the area’s schools in workshops covering pedagogic and psycho-pedagogic assistance for
students ranging from 3-18 years of age, learning through play for young children, human rights and
children’s rights, importance of community, and non-violent communication. In addition, using a small
percentage of the budget, Alma will help Sariry buy educational materials and school supplies for the
children who attend their internal workshops.
