Las Retamas Rural Vocational High School
Empowering young women from rural areas with high-quality education and vocational training
CHALLENGES FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS
Young women in rural areas face significant barriers to education due to limited access to technology, distance from cultural centers, and inadequate public transportation.
For over 17 years, Las Retamas has been dedicated to supporting and empowering this underserved demographic in rural areas of Maipú in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina. Las Retamas high school is part of the Pedro Antonio Marzano Foundation (https://fundacionmarzano.org.ar).
Our aim is to help these young women complete their secondary education and to provide specialized vocational training in agriculture, food security and entrepreneurship. This training helps them overcome the constraints of poverty and limited opportunities prevalent in rural and agricultural settings.
SHORT AND LONG-TERM IMPACT
Our efforts have yielded tangible results. We have a graduation rate exceeding 90%, far surpassing the national average of 50 to 60%.
Currently, we enroll approximately 90 students per year, from about 85 different families. Our impact extends beyond the direct beneficiaries, reaching an estimated 1,000 indirect beneficiaries annually.
A distinguishing feature of Las Retamas' academic program is the hands-on practicum. These immersive opportunities involve relocating classrooms to local centers of production and commerce, including wineries, shops, and health centers. Here, students engage in a variety of tasks for a total of 300 hours annually. This hands-on approach is pivotal for developing the fundamental skills required for a successful transition into the workforce.
Graduating students receive a High School Diploma in Agriculture and Environment. We aim to prepare responsible young people committed to the sustainable development of their community's natural and agricultural environment.
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
We pursue a comprehensive approach to education, fostering academic excellence while equipping young women with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their communities.
Las Retamas is committed to improving the lives and futures of young women from rural areas, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
We provide additional help to students through:
A pedagogical system of integral human formation and practical experiences designed to strengthen the academic and professional performance of each student.
Tutoring.
Collaboration with and support for the students’ families, recognizing their key role in the education process.
Food assistance to ensure that our students have their basic needs covered.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
Scholarship Program. Help a student!
With your donation of $180 annually ($15 monthly), you support the academic trajectory of a student for one year.
Infrastructure Program.
Support the building improvements and the construction of the laboratory and production factory. A donation of $1000 contributes to 1 square meter (3.3 square feet) of the new lab and production factory.
Follow us @cfrlasretamas.
Contact us at institucional@cfrlasretamas.edu.ar.
Checks made to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Las Retamas Rural Vocational High School” may be sent to:
American Initiatives for Social Development
Murray Hill Station
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670