MLR Forestal delivers toys to children in neighboring communities to combat school dropouts

December is the most eagerly awaited month for the children of the neighboring communities of MLR Forestal. Throughout the year, their parents and teachers remind them that in December the company will arrive with the toys. And the company does not fail, in 2023 it has been six years of this tradition. MLR Forestal sees this initiative as a contribution to combating school dropouts.

Mabel Lazo Quino, Head of Social Management at MLR Forestal, is the one who has been in charge of delivering the gifts for these six years. In his own words, “it has been six years of recognizing the perseverance of mothers and fathers, but above all of motivating these children who are students from the schools neighboring MLR Forestal in the rural area to continue studying.”

The communities where the toys are delivered to do their bit against school dropouts are Bethel #1, Bethel #2, Unión La Bú, Empalme La Bú, San Miguel, and children from neighboring families are also given their gift to the farms of Mutiwas, Tadazna and Waylawas.

The delivery of toys is a process that lasts months and has a fluid coordination between schools and parents on the one hand and the Purchasing and Social Management area on the part of the company. This year, 380 toys were delivered, the main feature of which is that they contribute to children’s learning, for example, chess sets.

An award for the perseverance of parents and students to combat school dropouts

MLR Forestal has always linked the delivery of toys with education. The toys are given to children who have persevered, who with courage and determination have avoided the school dropout that is so common in rural areas, who have managed to finish their school year and are ready to continue it next year.

“Always prior to the delivery, we give a message to parents to continue sending their children to class and we highlight the importance of them developing their learning in the classroom. We make them see everything they can achieve in their lives if they study,” says Lazo.

St. Francis of Assisi School Honors MLR

This year, as on previous occasions, the San Francisco de Asís school in the San Miguel community presented a diploma of recognition to MLR Forestal for the support provided. This is because the company also delivers school supplies at the beginning of each year and teaching materials for teachers in schools in the surrounding communities.

MLR Forestry’s commitment to education and to combating school dropouts is also reflected in the accompaniment with environmental education to the ecological brigade of the Flor de Pino school in Empalme La Bú and in the reforestation campaigns that have been carried out with the San Francisco de Asís educational center in San Miguel. In 2024, other activities will be carried out with the Biodiversity area, such as the elaboration of crafts to learn about the conservation of flora and fauna.