Inaguration of STEM Learning Labs in Colonia Santa Fe

Dear friends,

Thanks to your support, we have made significant progress. On July 20th, less than one month after launching this initiative, we completed the build-out and inaugurated the first Cadanino STEM Lab at the community center in Colonia Santa Fe.

We built the worktable for the 3D printer and laser cutter and the shelves for the STEM equipment, and we even had space to place our library in the room.

My sister Alison helped me design the STEM banners for the room, and I installed them along with a TV for our classes.

I gave the first lesson to the teenagers in the after-school program. I focused on helping them understand the STEM process of Asking what the problem is, imagining a solution, planning and gathering resources, creating a prototype, and then improving it.

I demonstrated how we could use the 3D printer to accomplish this. I also showcased the laser engraver we got for the classroom. We discussed how these tools, and the skills they are learning in robotics and programming, have a wide variety of applications, from 3D printing houses and chocolate to cutting metal and tile with plasma cutters and water jets.

I showed them how I had used 3D printing to improve my NERF guns so I can shoot my sisters better, and they really liked that.

We then had the classroom dedication, where we gave thanks to God and shared with the students about each one of you who helped make it possible. Then we closed with a celebration of pizza and ice cream.

The students are really excited to take their learning to the next level.

Right now, we are waiting for repairs to the roof at the second community center so we can build the STEM learning lab in San Jose Pinula. Once that is done and the rest of the equipment is brought down from the US, we will finish the project.

It should be some time in January of 2025 when it is complete. I will keep you posted on how we progress.

Thank you again for your help. You are helping to make a really big difference in the lives of the 250 students who will benefit from this at the Cadanino Community Centers.

We couldn’t have done this without your selflessness and generosity, so thank you for helping us make a difference.

Alexander Martiny

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