Liceo Bicentenario People Help People de Pilmaiquén

Hands-on learning for rural empowerment

Liceo Bicentenario People Help People de Pilmaiquén, a state-funded charter school in Puyehue, Chile, is transforming rural education with innovative programmes in Gastronomy and Agriculture to combat the unique challenges faced by its 438 students. Founded in 1989 amidst declining engagement and academic performance, the school has become a beacon of Professional Technical Secondary Education, significantly boosting student readiness for future careers and community involvement.

Responding to a critical need for re-engagement post-pandemic, the school introduced the "PHP Coins" project, a groundbreaking initiative inspired by virtual currencies to foster positive behaviour and enhance coexistence. Attendance rates have risen from 88% to 92% since its implementation, and disciplinary issues have notably decreased, fostering a more engaged and supportive educational environment. This strategic response not only stemmed from a severe need to improve interpersonal relationships and adherence to educational norms but also aimed to revitalise student commitment to their academic and social development.

By integrating hands-on Project-Based Learning (PBL) and early immersion programmes, Liceo Bicentenario facilitates real-world experience and practical application of skills, crucial for students’ professional futures in rural settings. The school's leadership, driven by a mission to foster responsibility and punctuality, is pivotal in cultivating a nurturing environment that aligns with the community’s values and employment needs.

With additional initiatives like entrepreneurship contests and English camps, the school not only prepares students for immediate challenges but also equips them for lifelong success, ensuring that each student can thrive in a global context. These efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the school's role as a transformative educational force in rural Chile, and have led to recognition across educational circles and satisfaction among students and local employers.

Should Liceo Bicentenario People Help People de Pilmaiquen win the World's Best School Prize for Innovation, the prize funds will be invested in expanding its innovative practices, further developing PBL initiatives, and incorporating advanced technological tools to better prepare students for the modern world.