Let's help teens like Mauricio to finish school

In the schools of Fundación Súmate one of the important activities of the week are the motivational circles, an instance where students who have been out of the school system are highlighted by their teachers. A positive reinforcement that many are not used to.

Stimulation has been key in this task, and that is why all its schools have so-called motivational circles, a space for meeting, camaraderie and conversation with all students and teachers.

At Pedro Álvaro Lavín school, the school principal, Yalily, explains that the hour before the circle is held, each level has a class council. They discuss different topics - discrimination and xenophobia, environment, ocean day, student's day, some ephemeris, to give some examples -, exchange opinions and generate a product allusive to the theme, such as a poem, a song, a sign, a drawing, which is exhibited in the circle that is directed by the head of formation.

RECEIVING CONGRATULATIONS IS NOT EASY

"The circles are very important to support the socioemotional development of the students, to foster their sense of belonging, to get them used to interacting with students from other classes and to learn to reflect and present on different topics," says the principal. 

She recognizes that it is an instance that is difficult to implement, due to the problems of insecurity and self-esteem that most of the students have.

That is why the support provided by a multidisciplinary team of professionals is very important for the boys and girls to learn to identify their emotions and develop social-emotional skills, which explains in large part why 90% of the students at this school graduate from elementary or high school.