When Mauricio Gareca speaks about his time at the “Juan Misael Saracho” Higher Teacher Training School (ESFM), he does not begin by talking about achievements or accolades. He speaks of effort. He talks about the times he had to wake up early for work, the financial hardships that seemed to put his dreams on hold, and the occasion when he failed to gain admission to the ESFM on his first attempt.
Today, at 24 years old, he is in his final year of the Agricultural Sciences specialization. He is just months away from becoming a teacher, but the journey that brought him here began much earlier—in the community of Sella, Tarija—where he learned that important goals are rarely achieved without sacrifice.
Getting into the ESFM was one of his major objectives. When he didn’t succeed on his first attempt, he felt the frustration that comes with seeing a door close—a door he had longed to walk through. Nevertheless, he decided to try again.
“When you really want something, you have to keep fighting, even when there are obstacles. I didn’t get into the ESFM on my first try, but that didn’t make me give up on my goal. On the contrary, it motivated me to prepare better and keep moving forward,” he recalls.
His perseverance paid off. The following year, he gained admission and began a new chapter marked by the challenge of balancing his studies with various jobs to support himself. Dairy work, masonry, and day labor in agriculture were part of a demanding routine that, far from steering him away from his goals, strengthened his resolve to press on.
Since 2023, Mauricio has participated in the training and mentoring programs promoted by Fundación Alma at the ESFM. Over this time, he has strengthened his ability to plan lessons, incorporate critical thinking and emotional education strategies, and approach his teaching practicums with greater confidence. “The guidance I received from Alma enabled me to improve my lesson planning and apply effective strategies during my practicums. It gave me greater security and confidence when working with students,” he notes.
As he nears the end of his training, Mauricio looks back and recognizes that every challenge served a purpose. He is not merely on the verge of becoming a teacher; he embodies the result of years of effort, hard work, and perseverance.
Stories like his remind us why it is worth investing in the training of future educators. Behind every student lies a personal journey, quiet challenges, and a daily decision not to give up. Since 2023, Alma has had the opportunity to support Mauricio through part of that journey. Today, seeing him reach the final year of his training stands as a testament to what can happen when personal commitment meets opportunities for growth.
By: Milena Blacudt Montes
Consultant, ESFM Tarija
Mauricio participating in mentoring sessions and workshops with Alma, as well as in his work routines outside the ESFM.