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What?

The general objective of this project is to improve the learning environment of the San Luis Educational Center in Cañete, specifically by equipping a computer laboratory. It will allow students to take computer lessons and to use software such as Linux, Ubuntu, and Open Office. The new curriculum will address the ethical use of software, open source contributions and the need to respect intellectual property rights.

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Why?

Education in the Ica Region has been severely disrupted due to the destruction of the majority of the region's schools during an earthquake in August 2007. This has left the school system facing indefinite closures, the challenge of its insufficient capacity, and an unstable infrastructure.

As part of Coprodeli’s efforts in the region, the San Luis Education Center began construction in 2008. Once completed, it will serve 500 students in initial, primary and secondary levels. This school will be part of a Center for Social Services in the San Luis Urbanization that will house a Medical Center and Youth Outreach. With the resources necessary for their technical education and computer literacy, students will be able to attend classes in a conducive and up-to-date environment. In the face of the global economy's demand for computer literacy, the impoverished students of the San Luis Educational will be able to take part in the ongoing technological revolution.

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How?

The San Luis Education Center will offer computer and technology classes using a newly-equipped computer lab classroom, with 20 workstations. An existing classroom will be converted into the computer lab with the purchase of tables, chairs, acrylic whiteboards, and PCs. These PCs with open will be the platform for a computer literacy curriculum focused on responsible and ethical use of technical skills and information.

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History of San Luis Education Center

Located 100km south of Lima, Cañete Province was severely affected by a 2007 earthquake that destroyed or damaged nearly 70% of its homes. Although Cañete has great potential for agricultural development, the area faces high poverty rates. Prior to the earthquake, Cañete had a poverty rate of 50% and the majority of families earned a monthly income of US $192. Poverty rates significantly increased following the earthquake as jobs were lost and incomes dropped. Now, more than 50% of San Luis's residents are below the poverty line and live on only $1 a day. Single mothers represent a large portion of the impoverished with approximately 46.3% living in extreme poverty. Malnutrition affects between 18 and 27% of the district's children, leaving them more vulnerable to preventable diseases and limiting their ability to achieve their full potential.

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Average household income

192

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Climate

Cañete has an arid climate, with extreme temperatures during the day and night. It does not rain often, but winter months are marked by fog during the early mornings.

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Challenges facing San Luis Education Center

Despite its proximity to the city of Lima, Cañete lacks basic social, educational, economic and environmental services. Among the major poverty-related issues in the area are the lack of quality educational services and the level of pollution. Due to the lack of basic services, people with sufficient financial resources often leave for larger cities like Lima, Chincha or Ica. The migration of these individuals and their families drains resources from Cañete and deprives the community of its drive for change. This only further isolates impoverished families and fortifies the barriers between those with and without financial means. Sadly, this phenomena is especially the case with children. The poorest students often lose motivation and are forced to drop out of school due to pressure from their families to work. As a result, there is a large achievement gap between poor and wealthy children.

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Main Occupations

Most community members are agricultural workers for large commercial farms that grow grapes, olives, asparagus and artichokes. The current unemployment rate is 24% and many families depend on only one individual as their source of income.

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Families living below poverty line

1195

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