La Escuelita = The Little School
There was a time not so long ago when I slept in a hammock, walked across entire countries. and discovered a lot of knowledge is hidden in discomfort.
Isla Tasajera, El Salvador, where I’ve landed, is not necessarily paradise. It has its fair share of challenges, but I found sanctuary in the heat of the land of eternal summer. My disconnection from the internet gave me solace then, and reminds me to practice patience now. I found a small, close-knit community living their best lives ~ barefoot, balanced, below the poverty line, and graciously wishing me “salud” in passing.
I guess you could say I found myself right there on some remote island, in he middle of nowhere, beneath a sky full of stars.
What I didn't find on this island was anyone who could speak English, other than the volunteer exchange hosts. Yet, how eager the locals were to learn English and there I was, hungry to be able to communicate about how to pronounce the food I wanted to buy.
La Escuelita, the “little school,” was the idea of the island community and myself. It came to me as a vision, a classroom full of children as I passed by the land. I told my friends and family about it, they told theirs, donations came, money was saved, and three years later a little school was built on donated land, Set on the main road amongst the cashew trees, the pavilion holds enough benches and tables for thirty students and a completely furnished “teacher’s quarters,” with a private kitchen and bedroom.
The island has taught me many lessons, but the most important continues to lie with this simple truth:
One must give in order to truly receive
La Escuelita is not affiliated with any organization, religion, or government. The group of 7 families who donated their time and/or land make up the School Counsel and we meet monthly to discuss the logistics and operations.
Do you want in on the action?
Bless
Party
El Salvador loves to party!
Throw an English Party at La Escuelita for a one-time $150 donation. We will dedicate the English Party in honor of you or someone you love, short video of the fiesta included!
Students invite their friends and family, bringing language learning and community fellowship together with games, music, and dancing. Refreshments are offered to the students and their guests.
Teach
Teaching is as easy as leading by example.
Are you a bilingual adventure person + forever learner ready to seize this opportunity!? In exchange for a few English classes a week you will have your own complimentary private living quarters within La Escuelita premises on a safe island and disconnected from life’s outwardly distractions. I can show you the how, when, and where!
Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019
Arrived and stayed for 2 months - volunteering at Naveah Now. I gathered hands-on knowledge of living as part of nature with seasons and phases, like the sun and moon. Quickly I began a language exchange lesson every day.
Dec. 2019
Returned with a mission to give something back to the island. Began teaching English class daily at a local’s home to adults and children alike. Broke ground on La Escuelita, and began construction.
Oh, the humble beginnings.
Jan. 2020 - Feb. 2020
English class continued thanks to a variety of bilingual volunteer teachers coming from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Construction of La Escuelita completes Phase One - Foundation, but takes a pause due to the pandemia.
Feb. 2021
One year later, came back with donations to move into Phase Two of the construction. Completing the metal roof, concrete floors, freshwater well, property clean up, and a composting bathroom as pictured.
May 2021
The community showed more interest in language learning since a roof was added. Quoted prices for Phase Three (a kitchen + shower) and Phase Four (electricity).
Added a new fence around property.
July 2021
Introductory English classes began without desks and chairs while saving for Phase Three. Students were recommended to bring towels for sitting and movement was incorporated into learning. Students of all ages enjoyed class.
Jan. 2022
With phases one through four complete and with hearts overflowing with gratitude, we officially opened the La Escuelita to the entire island community. Adults, children, and even an occasional pet joined in for English class.
July 2023
We welcomed Jake from England to La Escuelita, he brought a fresh energy to the community and kept the students coming back to class three or more days a week!
Who will be our next world-traveling-volunteer-teacher?!
Nov. 2021
All materials to complete the construction were transported by semi-truck, boats, and pick-ups to La Escuelita. Phase Three AND Phase Four quickly commenced thereafter. Classes are scheduled to officially begin in the New Year!
May 2022
I became a mother and after a few months of maternity leave my daughter began attending classes. During my absence from teaching, the six men who donated their time to build the facility (and their spouses) formed a “school counsel”. We meet every month to make decisions for La Escuelita and in the best interest of the students.
The mission here for the island and La Escuelita is purely educational. The age of information is upon us, and I'm merely trying to make it available to the wifi-free places of the world through hands-on instruction and interaction. Sharing knowledge is sharing wealth.
Just don't be surprised when you realize you're the student here and the island is the true teacher.
Come back soon to learn about La Escuelita as we continue to host a variety of teachers/educators from across the globe! Making Isla Tasajera a destination for eco-tourism, community mindfulness, and bettering our life experience as a collective!
