COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN QUINTO CONGRESSO NEIGHBORHOOD
Around 60 children a year receive “learn-through-play” lessons in this neighborhood preschool. It is life-changing for those who would otherwise stay at home until primary without a foundation in Portuguese language. This is because most children speak the local language at home. Going to this school allows young children between three and five years old the chance to develop through socialization, pre-literacy and pre-maths skills modeled around play, free lunch and physical activity.
“The preschool difference lasts well into adulthood with better health, income and further education according to longitudinal studies.”
In March of 2024, Tropical storm Filipo caused major damage to the school and there is an urgent need to undertake infrastructure repairs. You can help by donating to the campaign on GlobalGiving and spread the word.
The Bonguile project which is part of Bahia Mar’s social responsibility efforts, supports the school with subsidies for local teachers, professional development, porridge and supplies.
We thank Bahia Mar guests for making the Bonguile project possible over the last several years, especially Debbie Osborne and her friends from the UK, mother and daughter guests Bernadette and Gina from Austria, Bob and Niamh Leeney from Ireland, and Lisa Keskinen from UCC church in Cornwall CT.
