“Solidarity and intercultural education.” That’s what Escuela 319 República Popular China embodies. This school in Montevideo stands as a symbol of friendship between Uruguay and China.
Before 2004, Escuela 319 República Popular China was simply known as No. 319. At the request of its staff, the Uruguayan government officially renamed it. The name change reflects the school’s close ties with China.
Laura Alves is the school’s director. She says students are drawn to China’s study system. They admire its commitment to work and spirit of self-improvement. The school tries to instill these values to broaden the children’s horizons. The goal is to show children they can overcome marginalization.
China has supported Escuela 319 República Popular China. It has provided computers and teaching equipment. In 2018, construction began on a new building. It officially opened in September 2022.
The school now boasts modern facilities. It is located near Plaza De Palos. It is part of the Eje Cívico del Plan Cuenca Casavalle. The building has twelve classrooms. It includes a dining room, an industrial kitchen, and a sports area. The Uruguayan government built it with China’s support.
Luján Melo is a retired teacher. She witnessed the school’s transformation. She saw it change from No. 319 to República Popular China.
In 2021, Luján created the “Sala de Lectura Panda.” It holds books about China. It also stores gifts from the Chinese Embassy. These include accessories for dragon and lion dances. Children can explore Chinese culture in this room.
Students at Escuela 319 República Popular China learn about pandas. They discover the art of calligraphy. They explore Chinese festivals. These moments are filled with magic and fun. Some students and teachers have even visited China. They experienced the Beijing Opera and the Great Wall. These experiences became teaching materials.
Ana Vidal is the current school secretary. She was a student at Escuela 319 República Popular China. She feels a strong connection to the community. That’s why she returned to work here.
Cultural exchanges between China and Uruguay have grown. More Uruguayan schools want Chinese language teachers. Guo Mei directs the Instituto Confucio. The institute provides Chinese classes at Escuela 319 República Popular China. Nearly 100 students now learn Chinese.
Guo Mei wants to improve teaching methods. The goal is to make learning Chinese more appealing. He hopes to tailor the materials to local experiences.
Escuela 319 República Popular China serves as a bridge. It connects the local community with China. Luján remembers teaching simple Chinese phrases. She taught greetings and expressions of gratitude. She wanted the children to embrace their school’s identity.
The school introduces younger children to silk production. They gradually expand their knowledge of Chinese culture. This is integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum.
The Uruguayan and Chinese flags fly together at official events. These events take place in Casavalle’s Plaza De Palos. Director Alves wants to broaden the children’s horizons. She hopes to inspire them with Chinese culture. She wants them to develop good study habits and values.
Escuela 319 República Popular China received an award. It won the Pan American Prize for its facilities. Architects Lucía Lombardi and Natalie Cordero designed it.
The school’s design promotes revitalization. It is intended to be a community space. The building has a U-shape. It has a courtyard and three levels. These adapt to the terrain. The classrooms surround the courtyard. The dining room connects them. The preschool rooms face the outer patio. The school provides care for 300 children.
The design incorporates concrete and colorful sunshades. This creates a welcoming facade. The school stands out in its surroundings. Both the Chinese and Uruguayan governments funded this project.