
On January 9, 2012 Palmira Mereles is off to study at Earth University in San Jose, Costa Rica on full scholarship where she will complete a 4 year university degree in Agronomic Sciences. She had to go through a grueling selection process involving essay writing, recommendations, individual interviews, and traveling several hours to take entrance exams.
Palmira comes from a small rural community 4 hours east of the Mbaracayu Reserve, and realized that her opportunities would be limited if she stayed in the community where a poor quality high school education was awaiting her, domestic violence was the norm, and many of her adolescent piers had children. When she spoke about what she was embarking on, Palmira expressed how grateful she was to be a part of the Mbaracayu School. She stated, “The school is part of who I am. It has a great director, the girls support each other, we have an open dialogue, I have learned about women’s rights, and have created good memories. I never imagined I would have this opportunity. The school helped me be able to move forward.”
Congratulations to Palmira for being a shining star, seizing this opportunity, and inspiring others.