CEA Escuela 190

Can you imagine a school built with the grit and generosity of a community? CEA Escuela 190, also known as “Australia,” stands as a testament to that very spirit. CEA Escuela 190 first opened its doors on March 15, 1966, in the Hotel Pajas Blancas. This was a temporary home. A dedicated group, the Comisión Pro Escuela Pública, spearheaded the effort. Names like Luis Moro, Ricardo Surraco, and Juana Aizcorbe de Guevara are forever etched in the school’s history. Forty-five students enrolled that first year, with Jorge Alberto Surraco Pérez taking the honor of being the first. Imagine the small classes. The director, Sra. Juana Aizcorbe de Guevara, taught grades 3rd through 6th. Another teacher, Srta. Griselda Renee Maupeu, managed 1st and 2nd grades. The community’s dedication is inspiring. The Comisión divided a large room into three classrooms. A fundraising campaign, spearheaded by Don Rafael Fontaina, secured materials through radio advertisements. Don César Sirio, a local industrialist, served as treasurer. Even the land, approximately 17,000 square meters, was a donation from Luis Moro. The school’s construction is a story of resourcefulness. Sand and pebbles from the beach, stone from the land, and even Lavalleja slate from the Mina de Valencia formed the building’s foundation. The architect, Euclides Otatti, poured his heart into the design. The school brought infrastructure. The construction spurred the opening of Calle Oficial 4, now Aldama y Ortega. The city even drilled a well for the school due to lack of potable water. The new building was ready in 1970. However, the move wasn’t easy. There were no windows, no plumbing, no electricity, and the well was unfinished. The school lacked interior doors, desks, and blackboards. Slowly but surely, the community persevered. Windows were installed, the well was finished, and UTU students, led by Professor Max Adler, installed electricity. Desks, benches, and blackboards arrived. The official inauguration took place on November 17, 1973. CEA Escuela 190 was finally home. The school continued to evolve. A seventh grade, equivalent to first year of secondary school, was added. An adult education course followed. In 1988, potable water finally arrived. A school garden and cooperative thrived for a decade. By 1990, CEA Escuela 190 needed two shifts to accommodate all its students. A lunch program followed. In 1999, the school received its nickname, “Australia,” in a ceremony attended by the Australian Consul. Today, CEA Escuela 190 stands as a beacon of community spirit and perseverance. It reminds us that even from humble beginnings, great things can grow with collaboration and dedication.