TALICA salutes Martin for his dedication to his community and to all the children and families in the surrounding villages.  His commitment to the growth of each mind is never ending. 

Martin Ortero, currently teaches first grade in the village of Corozal, and lives with his wife, Irma and two children, Enrique and Holberg, in Balgue, Ometepe, Nicaragua. He is a life-long resident of Balgue—and is a beloved member of his village—one who has served his community in many different ways.

 
Martin finished his primary and secondary studies in the local schools.  After completing his educational degree from a university in Managua, he returned home to serve the community.  He has been a public educator for more than 15 years, and served as director for more than 10 years.  He believes all children can learn and to improve the standard of living for the village one must have access to quality education. 

I had the most amazing opportunity of living with Martin and his family for a month.  Martin awakes by 5:00 am with wife and also educator, Irma.  The smell of smoke seeps into Martin’s home through the open areas above the walls and the roof from neighboring cooking fires.   Roosters, dogs, and howler monkeys join the morning chorus of the village awakening.  Irma is out rattling in the outdoor kitchen and brings her fire to a roar.  She places a small aluminum can over the fire to heat water for the morning coffee.  Martin gathers wood from the yard for the day, takes his coffee and begins studying or preparing for daily lessons.  By 6:15 am, Martin has bathed from a bucket, helped get the two boys up and ready for school, and has a bite to eat, usually rice and plantains, with the occasional hard boiled egg.  To make sure he is well dressed and professional when he arrives to class, Martin places his “good” shirt in his bag that is draped over his shoulder and rolls up his pants so that the dirt, mud, or dust doesn’t spatter on them, mounts an old bike and is off down the path.  His bike ride is about an hour and his destination is his first grade classroom in the village of Corozal.  Upon his arrival about 20 village kids wait for their teacher.  He greets each one with smiles and plenty of patience.  He begins the day with word games, reading aloud, and writing exercises. By mid-morning the students have had a couple of hours rich in literature.  I can say this, due to the books that TALICA along with a Canadian sister school have provided.  The teachers here in this village are welled trained and when the books they needed arrived, the learning transformed.  Math time comes after a mid-morning break of games and snacks that are provided by MINED, (a Nicaraguan government agency).  His math class is full of counting, practicing the basic operations, and of course reading.  Martin’s lessons are some of the most active I have seen in all my years working with teachers and students.  He teaches and brings to life the most complex content with minimal materials.  His creativity and knowledge shine through.   First grade lessons ends at 12:00 noon.  Martin packs up his homework and rides his old bike back to Balgue.  By now the mid day sun or mid day monsoons accompany him for the long hour.  Upon arriving home, his afternoon work begins.  Depending on the time of year, he goes fishing, he helps the family work in the fields, attends community committee meetings, or he completes chores around the house and is always there to love the support his two boys with homework.  The day ends with supper and preparing for the next day’s classes.

Thanks, Martin—you keep our dreams alive.