School History
La Hammonia School was opened in 1975, when Mausi and Eddy acquired the farm, this was their first construction. Initially, the school only had capabilities to teach up to the fourth grade, now the school offers up to sixth grade. The government currently supports the school with two full time teachers, Selva Negra supplies two more teachers as well as all other expenses and scholarships of the school. They help with the teacher's salaries, uniforms, supplies, and some of the scholarships. Currently, the school's director is Aurora Gamez, she is very dedicated and responsible. Education has taken a stronger role and attendance is enforced, parents are contacted and questioned when a child misses school. We would like to thank the Rogers family for their continued support of the education of our children.
Continuing education
It all started with an involved teacher and her outstanding student, Lorenzo Diaz. He was our first student that attended a private school to continue his education. We first sent him to an expensive private school but he was not happy, and wanted to quit. Instead of quitting, he compromised with a change of schools and finished elementary. He went on to high school but quit before finishing. He wanted to work and make money. But his educational pursuits were established and he later finished high school at night school and now attends a week end university. After the experience with Lorenzo, we have sent several kids to continue their education at schools in Matagalpa, and some have achieved university education. Sadly the percentage of students who continue education is only about 5%. Mostly because they want or need to make money and continuing education does not provide that. But for those who do it, it is worth their time. They have a better income, have more respect, and this has encouraged others to continue. We look forward to more using this opportunity. In case the kids don’t want to continue with high school, the school now teaches sewing, carpentry, music, arts and crafts.
Trade Programs
Several years ago, all of the farm's maintenance personnel were outside hired help. Since then, we've established an apprentice program. Now the new generation of workers are becoming skilled carpenters, brick layers, plumbers, electricians, welders, etc. The only field in which we have outside help is mechanics, we already have one at a technical school learning this activity and learning on the field with a hired mechanic. Eventually they will all be sons and daughters of our old workers who will take care of all the maintenance of the farm. The only requirements to be part of this team are to have completed elementary school and the will to learn.
Night School
The school has also opened up night classes in 2005, offering the elementary degree. These classes are attended by adults, some new to the farm, others who quit school early and now wish to obtain this degree. The teachers of the night school are graduates of the Selva Negra day school who have continued to the high school and now offer their knowledge to others at the farm. The continuing education program is also available to night school attendants and hopefully one will graduate and become another university student of the farm.
Helpful Donations
If you wish to assist the school; the school's director, Aurora Gamez, has mentioned the following helpful donations.- sound system (boom box of some kind),
- books for the library: science, trade, history, Nicaraguan literature, etc... (Books should be in Spanish),
- regular school supplies.
Previously, friends of Selva Negra have donated:
- a computer, used by Aurora for school records and maintenance,
- sewing machines used for the trade programs.
