Kita and Her Tireless Work in Paso de los Oscares
Everyone knows María Luisa Gómez as Kita. And everyone in Paso de los Oscares knows that if there’s something that never goes missing at Primary School No. 958 and Kindergarten No. 704, it’s her: strong, kind, and always present.
Kita not only runs both schools—she also teaches first and second grade. She supports her 42 primary students and 15 kindergartners with a passion that fills every corner of the classroom. But her role goes far beyond teaching. She’s a guide, a comfort, a leader, a second mother. The one who opens the school—and stays until the last child leaves.
“Some kids arrive before we do. They hitchhike from far away, but they don’t want to miss school. Because school isn’t just about learning—it’s where they feel safe, where they can be kids.”
A Meal That Teaches, Too
Many children arrive on an empty stomach. Sometimes, a cup of mate cocido is all they’ve had all day. In that reality, the school kitchen becomes more than a place to eat—it’s a warm refuge in a tough world.
Thanks to the support of Fundación San Genaro and the efforts of the parents’ cooperative—who organize raffles, fairs, and whatever’s needed—there’s always a hot meal on the table. And that changes everything.
“One proper meal a day helps them focus, play, and feel better. It might seem small, but it means so much,” Kita says.
Technology in Small Hands
Lately, words like “folders,” “files,” and “documents” are becoming part of classroom life—not in offices, but among children.
With Franco, their ICT teacher, even first graders now know how to create folders. The older ones help Kita with digital tasks. They explore, try things out, and learn. For many, it’s their very first time using a computer. But it won’t be the last.
“It sparked something in them—curiosity, confidence. They feel capable. And that’s worth gold.”
Caring Also Means Detecting Early
When Fundación San Genaro’s Health Team arrived, everything changed. During one of their visits, they detected a case of Chagas disease in a student. Today, that child is receiving treatment, and her family is being supported.
In communities where the nearest doctor is hours away—and medical attention costs more than many can afford—someone showing up to listen, examine, and care can make all the difference. que alguien venga, revise, pregunte y escuche, puede ser una salvación.
“Working on health, education, and technology all at once changes lives. We feel part of something much bigger,” Kita says.
Where Dreams Dare to Grow
Between dirt roads, shared effort, and everyday challenges, Kita does something you won’t find in any textbook: she nurtures dreams. She gives them shape, protects them, and makes sure they don’t fade.
Thank you, Kita, for your dedication. For turning your school into a place where the future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build every day. With love, with community, and with hope.