In Cuba, the AMU-EoC project supporting small entrepreneurial initiatives is starting to bear fruit. The project is now complete: the case of the Caminitos de Ternura Kindergarten with its ‘School for Parents’
source: AMU
The project with which AMU supported small entrepreneurial initiatives in Cuba to provide them with adequate knowledge for the management of private enterprises (according to the principles of the Economy of Communion and the Economy of Francesco) has already ended. But everything that has been sown since this adventure began remains in the field and is producing fruits.
An example of this is a small organisation that has been set up in the town of El Caney, a few kilometres from Santiago de Cuba: a kindergarten that offers an alternative educational space to 70 children, employing 15 people. The methodology used with these children is the “art of loving”, which can be summarised with the following proposals: ‘love everyone, love first, love others as yourself, love each other and love your enemy’. The testimonies of those who work there, the joy of the children and the gratitude of the parents are clear signs that the pedagogical proposal is working well.
There are ideas and dreams that can't be realised immediately, but require a certain amount of time to take the necessary steps. The Caminitos de Ternura Kindergarten in Cuba is somewhat symbolic of this progress. It is the realisation of an idea that initially seemed complicated, but turned out successful thanks above all to the support of families and the Economy of Communion network.
The goal was to create a more significant impact of communion, but first of all it was necessary to find qualified personnel and to create the appropriate conditions. In fact, the kindergarten managed to build a stable team of teachers that are capable of accepting this kind of challenge. And reaching the goal was possible.
In April 2024, the first day of the School for Parents was held as a test run. The success of the initiative and the gratitude of the families was a surprise and had an emotional effect on everyone. This is demonstrated by the testimonies collected.
Tamara is the mother of Liam Mateo, a 2-year-old little boy:
‘I really enjoyed the School for Parents. It allowed us to take a break from everyday life, which is often full of problems and difficulties. Usually, all our attention is focused on satisfying the basic needs of our children, and we forget about their feelings and their state of mind. This day, however, was a time for learning and socialising. It would be great if it took place more frequently’.
Alain, father of another two-year-old little boy, is also enthusiastic:
‘I propose that the School for Parents be held on a monthly basis. Many of us took time off from work to be able to participate, but it was time well spent, getting to know what our little sweethearts do when they're away from us’.
The contentment about this first meeting encourages us to continue with further training and sharing. This event has strengthened our belief in the importance of working with and for the families.
The kindergarten teachers are confident that ‘together, we can build a better future for our children, where physical, emotional and social development can flourish in an environment of love and communion’.
