Since 2003, Casa Canadiense has been involved in a concerted effort to provide professional development opportunities to local preschool teachers. We fund this through the Casa Project Fund.

To date, Casa's efforts have benefitted over 30 preschool teachers active in the Reparto Schick neighbourhood of Managua.

Early on, the project took the form of bi-monthly workshops on topics chosen by the preschool teachers. Teachers were introduced to a wide range of topics including: puppetry, paper making, candle making, beading, yoga, health and nutrition, and economics for women. The forum allowed the teachers to get to know each other and Casa observed the benefits to the preschools of the relationships that were developed.

The project then developing a more directed professional training focus. Through this project teachers have been encouraged to finish their high school degrees (you can be a community preschool teacher in Nicaragua once you have completed primary school) and to continue on to post-secondary training.

Furthermore, in conjunction with other local organizations like FUNARTE & Musica en los Barrios, Casa continues to provide the teachers with other training opportunities like computer literacy classes and music and art for the preschool classroom.

In July 2008, the Casa Project Fund committed another $1,200 to this project to see it through to the end of the year. At that time, there were three teachers in their first year of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at the National University and two teachers in teachers college and three finishing highschool.

In January 2009, the Casa board approved another $4,600 in funding for the year. 10 active community preschool teachers are involved this year.

Three of the teachers are now in their 2nd year of ECE at the National University; four are in teachers college; two are still working on their high school degrees and Angela Garay, one of Casa's longest standing community contacts (see Fall 2008 newsletter) is now working on her Grade 4.

Depending on the costs associated with each program, teachers receive between U$7/month and U$29/month, to cover fees, books and transportation. The project also employs a tutor to run a study circle to promote academic success.

One of the project's greatest successes are the three woman who are studying ECE. They wouldn't have dared to even dream of going to university if it were not for Casa's support and encouragement. They have had to struggle to meet the academic expectations but have come through with flying colours. They will become leaders in community education in Nicaragua.