In schools, the reading habit has always been a weak point

In this context appears ConTextos. “In schools, the reading habit has always been a weak point and we had a dream of improving that - says Héctor - and how better to do so than with an institution like ConTextos that, not only provided books, but also provided technical assistance and teacher training, which is what is needed in a school”.

In the Educational Center, book exhibitions were held, parents were involved, a project was implemented for each High School student to teach three people to read, shelves with books were put up in different areas of the Center and they created the Book Cart and every Friday, Héctor Morales handed books out in the classrooms.

Ten years later, the project is still well maintained and "there are many students enjoyed having a complete, attractive and meaninful library experience", says Héctor.

Books changed the community. it is now a community whose members come to study riding their bikes through narrow sand roads.

El Zapote Canton Educational Center was one of the first schools where ConTextos started working. It is in the western part of the country, in a tropical rainforest near the estuary and the sea. Almost all the students arrive there on bicycles.

Héctor Morales began teaching there in 2003 and was its director for 11 years. He always kept an open mind to new ideas so that his students would have more opportunities.

During his tenure, the baccalaureate (secondary school) was created, a soccer school was set up that broke the myth that everyone beat “El Zapote”, ‘tempate’ bushes were planted and he worked to protect the mangroves that make up a vital ecosystem in the area.

Gladys Sigüenza, Partner From the Beginning, Ministry of Education