History
Horizonte Spanish School was founded in 1991, by Egdelina, the current director, in the wake of the closing of the well-known Escuela Nica. Egdelina had worked for Escuela Nica for seven years, where she earned valuable skills, experience, and contacts that led her to found her own school. Since its founding, Horizonte has gained official status with the Ministry of Education, developed an accredited program through a university in Canada, provided employment and supplemental income to dozens of local teachers and families, and created countless educational experiences and lasting personal and professional relationships.
Mission
Horizonte is a Spanish language school with a vision of promoting peace and social justice for those living in poverty, those struggling against class, race and gender prejudices, and those fighting for political freedom. Horizonte is dedicated to helping by financially supporting community leaders for sharing their knowledge through speaking engagements, one-on-one meetings and visits to local organizations.
Activities
The integrated Spanish study program at Horizonte Spanish School is based on three components: the Spanish language program, the afternoon activity program, and the home stay family program. These three components serve as a base for a well rounded educational and life experience.
The Spanish language program is specifically tailored to meet students' needs, for beginning, intermediate or advanced students. Students set the pace and determine the direction the class takes by stating expectations, goals, and needs. Classes are Monday through Friday for four hours each day with a mixture of grammar, pronunciation, sentence structure, listening exercises, reading, and conversation. The average course of study is four weeks but longer or shorter courses are gladly accommodated.
The afternoon activity program is designed to raise awareness about cultural issues relevant to Nicaragua such as the history, politics, and economics that have come to form the current situation. Afternoon activities include visits to local cooperatives, cultural and historical sites, community development programs as well as conversations with community leaders and educators. Volunteer opportunities are available with many of the organizations.
The home stay family program as well serves to provide opportunities to practice speaking Spanish while learning about Nicaraguan families and culture. Students have a room of their own, complete with meals and an opportunity to learn about Nicaragua from generous, open families.
Future projects
Horizonte serves as a valuable connection between Flowers of Hope and local projects. Horizonte serves to locate and initiate important community projects. Horizonte serves to find local projects for Flowers of Hope to support, and to educate its students and staff on the projects that Flowers of Hope supports. Horizonte has introduced many of its students to local people and organizations, who have created lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. The next project in sight for Horizonte is a nutrition and education project in the rural community of El Limon.
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