Imagine children’s laughter echoing. It fills the halls of Escuela 163 Galicia. This school is more than just a building. It is a beacon of community and Galician heritage in Montevideo.
Escuela 163 Galicia stands as a testament to cultural pride. It embodies the enduring spirit of Galician immigrants. They sought to plant a seed of their homeland in Uruguayan soil. The school’s story is one of dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to education.
In 1962, a group of Galician entrepreneurs had a vision. They wanted to gift Uruguay a public school. It would bear the name of their homeland. Antón Crestar Faraldo led this effort. He and others formed a commission. Their goal was to create a school that celebrated Galician culture. This school was originally located in the Cordón neighborhood. It supported children in need.
After the dictatorship, the original school lost its name. However, the Galician community’s dream was rekindled. In April 1998, the Cámara de Diputados designated Escuela 163 as “Galicia.” It was a symbolic return. It marked twenty years since the renaming of the school. The school is located in the Prado neighborhood.
Escuela 163 Galicia became the first school named after a Spanish region. This was a departure from naming schools after countries. The Galician community ensured their heritage lived on. People like Marcelino Martínez Gómez and Xosé Rosendo Fernández Seivane supported Crestar. Fernández taught the children Galician songs. The school choir became a staple at official events.
A clever solution was found for the Galician anthem. Since Galicia was not a state, they could not officially announce it. Crestar and Fernández presented it as “la canción de los pinos.” The school embraced its Galician identity fully.
Today, Escuela 163 Galicia continues its mission. It provides education with human values. The school serves children from challenging backgrounds. The Xunta de Galicia, the Patronato da Cultura Galega, and the Centro Gallego de Montevideo support the school. They provide equipment, language classes, and learning materials. Benefactors contribute to building repairs.
The school celebrated the 20th anniversary of its renaming. Students performed a story by Manuel Losa. They sang “La Rianxeira.” Blanca Frugoni, the school director, emphasized the importance of the Galician community’s support. It strengthens the students’ connection to Galicia.
Escuela 163 Galicia is a full-time school. It operates from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This allows the students to participate in various activities. Thanks to the parents’ commission, children attend swimming lessons. They have classes in physical expression, English, art, and reading. The school also features a garden. Students participate in planting fruits and vegetables.
More than 56 years have passed since its founding. Escuela 163 Galicia remains a special place. It is a place where values, knowledge, and enriching experiences grow.