At 2:00 a.m., Luz Marina Duarte García and José Luis Gutiérrez, employees of the Inventory area of the Universidad Industrial de Santander-UIS, set out on their journey along the Curos-Málaga highway. Their mission was clear: to reach the San Francisco Rural School in the village of Carabobo, municipality of Concepción and spread joy to 25 children in this sector with the delivery of furniture to strengthen their academic process within the framework of the “Donations with social responsibility” program.
Aboard a truck loaded with educational implements and, above all, with good news, Luz Marina Duarte García and José Luis Gutiérrez traveled the roads of the province. As they went along, the imposing mountain scenery turned each kilometer into an unforgettable experience, one of those that are kept forever in the heart.
The San Francisco School is located near the Almorzadero moor. From the urban center of the municipality of Concepción it is approximately a 2 hour drive. As the distance shortened, the striking natural ecosystem was also contemplated. Observing the frailejones and the streams of crystalline water in the midst of cold winds made the route a spectacle.
After hours of travel, we arrived at our destination. At the entrance of the small school, a sign, written with care by the children, welcomed them with a message full of gratitude: “Thank you Universidad Industrial de Santander for supporting rural education”.
Professor Flor Emilce Jerez Mantilla, with a warm smile, was the first to welcome them. Then, one by one, the students introduced themselves, filling the atmosphere with emotion and gratitude. Each word and gesture seemed to converge in the same message: “Thanks to the Universidad Industrial de Santander for reaching these far away corners”.
The excitement and joy of the children was reflected with a big smile on their faces. Parents were also waiting in the place and all in line, they began to support the unloading of implements such as desks, desks, boards, computers, balls, cabinets and other items.
Inside the classroom, the students settled in their new desks and watched with amazement and happiness each of the elements that the UIS gave them. The excitement overflowed when they began to express their gratitude to the “Donations with Social Responsibility” program, using posters, letters and even songs. Every word, every note, was a sincere show of gratitude for the new resources that would undoubtedly transform their educational experience.
“I am very happy with UIS for the contribution to our school. There are very few entities that collaborate with rural education. I am very happy” expressed with gratitude the teacher, Flor Emilce Jerez.
Parents also joined in the expressions of gratitude, Adriana Ortiz said “Thank the UIS for this gesture and bring every detail. It makes our hearts small because we see our children happy”.
Ana Hilda Merchán Ramírez, grade 5 and excited student representative added “We want to thank the University. We are all very happy because something like this had not come to our little school before”.
The children in this sector have to walk for about two hours to get to school. The UIS team also gave them school kits and a raincoat to each one, so that they can protect themselves from the rain while they make their long daily walk, either to school or back home.
As part of the “Donations with social responsibility” program, furniture was also delivered to Nuestra Señora de la Concepción School.
In the midst of gratitude and much joy to contribute to the educational process of the students of this rural school, Luz Marina Duarte García, head of the inventory section, and José Luis Gutiérrez, professional in this area, are starting their return again.
Through the “Donations with Social Responsibility” program, the Universidad Industrial de Santander continues to extend its support to the most remote corners of the region, contributing significantly to improve the quality of life of the communities.
