„Dandelion“ – little Waldorf initiative near Córdoba

2007 a little group of families and teachers founded the Waldorf school Dandelion in Saldán (18 km from Córdoba). – In Argentina there are only 12 Waldorf schools. Until now three of them were located in the province Córdoba (Villa Las Rosas, Villa General Belgrano, Villa Carlos Paz). Dandelion is the first one near the province capital Córdoba which is after Buenos Aires the second most important city of Argentina.

Since 15 years the town of Saldán became an attractive alternative for young families who looked for a life outside of the big city. So Saldán was growing and some deficits in the educational area arose. Since Saldán was founded 50 years ago, it has only one primary school with now 800 pupils.

The start

Our school Dandelion was formally established on March 2007, with 7 children in the 1^st Grade, and a teacher committed to its mission in a tiny space sized 45m2. Embracing this 1st Grade in loving and brotherly gesture, there was an entire community, formed by parents of children who attended the school, and others working for a chance for their sons to be there.

Then school year 2008 began, in a different rented house with large backyards, fruit trees, and terraces descending to Saldán Creek (tributary to Suquía River). That year began with 2nd grade and a new 1st grade with 9 students after the arrival of a new teacher.

Four children require special attention. Supporting these students there is a group of curative educators, who aim to expand its actions, primarily to children, youth and adults in need of assistance – and also, in the teaching area, to take up training of educational assistants, to accompany such persons with impairments.

Also in 2008, hasted by demand, the community created a kindergarten with 8 kids of different ages, under the affectionate care of an educational team of two adults with anthroposophical background, for a formally qualified teacher was unavailable.

In the school year 2008/09, we have the kindergarten and three grade classes, altogether 38 children.

The school is supported by a constant working group of parents and teachers, who formally established a nonprofit organization named "Perceval." Members come from worker environment, most on dependant basis, all with good cultural level. Obviously, the funding of our structure becomes very difficult from time to time, but we always attempt together to address its sustenance with solidarity. We must mention that our school community even encloses families from neighboring cities and districts like Villa Allende, Mendiolaza and Villa Warcalde!

Since we want to include also families who can´t afford the school fees. So we hope for many sponsors and friends of our young, little school!

Sonia Vila Redondo