And that way of training led the teacher to think about her own practice

They lead us to develop language skills and reading comprehension with high levels of criticality, creativity and taste for literature

The conditions were that the schools provided teachers who were committed to learning and were easily accesible, since we provided them with weekly or bimonthly training. “We had as an example the Cantón El Zapote Educational Center with its director, Héctor Morales, which had excellent community support”. The only problem was the school could only be reached by canoe.

But they went anyway.

Debra Gittler, ConTextos Founder, saw the work and said “this school inspires me”. That word stuck with Gladys.

“El Zapote”, as it is abbreviated, and the Centro Escolar Caserío San Jorge, Cantón San Ramoncito, were the first two ConTextos Schools.

Debra and Gladys met in 2011 when a new government was beginning in El Salvador and the Ministry of Education was implementing a program called “Let’s Go to School”, whose axis was community integration. At that time, Gladys Sigüenza was head of Technical Assistance for the Ministry in Ahuachapán and had more than 380 schools under her charge. ConTextos only needed two to start their project.

“I liked what ConTextos did - says Gladys - because in addition to providing books, they trained teachers. And that way of training was reflection-action; it led the teacher to think about her own practice”.

Gladys also liked the quality of the books. “Well thought out, attractive -she says- they lead us to develop language skills and reading comprehension with high levels of criticality, creativity and taste for literature”.

Still today, ten years later, she continues to read and use the story “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle for her work.