San Pedro de Atacama residents complete elementary and secondary schooling

Program adjusted for virtual participation

A total of 96 students from San Pedro de Atacama, Toconao, Socaire, Río Grande, Camar, Peine and Talabre received their elementary and secondary school degrees after successfully completing the 2021 Remedial Education Program, which is designed to encourage individuals who have not able to complete school to do so.

The initiative—which was held for the fourth year—is the result of joint work by the Municipality of San Pedro de Atacama through its OMIL with the support of SQM, Fundación La Semilla and OTEC Capacitaciones Da Vinci.

“We would like to congratulate each of the individuals who participated in this version of the program and thank them for their hard work. This year saw a significant increase in enrollment, allowing students to meet this important challenge of completing their education. We hope that this encourages other residents to participate, because education is important for accessing new opportunities,” noted San Pedro de Atacama Mayor Justo Zuleta.

SQM Senior Vice President of Corporate Services José Miguel Berguño highlighted the scope of the program, explaining that “it is a great opportunity, and we are proud to be part of this important partnership, which allowed 96 students to finish elementary and secondary school. Education is an important pillar of our development model. It opens many doors and will allow people to have more opportunities to play an active role in their own development.”

VIRTUAL FORMAT

The initiative was conducted virtually in order to adapt to the public health crisis. This measure also facilitated the participation of students from outlying areas. A total of 58 students completed their elementary school education and 38 earned their high school diploma.

One of them is Lidia Martínez of San Pedro de Atacama, who received her high school diploma. This will help her to better support her family. “As a child, I was in school through grade four, and that means that I have not been able to teach my daughter. I am really pleased and grateful to have been able to complete high school, because I am no longer afraid to help my daughter with her homework.”

Francisco Terán of Río Grande also expressed his gratitude for the support that he received through the program. “I had completed sixth grade, and this has given me the motivation to keep studying. It has been a great experience for me and my classmates. That’s why I want to encourage others to finish their studies so that they can reach their goals.”

The program has benefited 301 people from various towns in the Salar de Atacama since 2018, improving their educational skills and the quality of life of the area’s youth and adults.

SQM VICE PRESIDENT OF SALAR COMMUNITIES