From Barefoot Student to Inspiring Teacher: A Story of Educational Perseverance in Nicaragua
By buildOn Staff
Sandra de Jesús Gurdián in Santa Teresa, Nicaragua. Photo: buildOn
In communities around the world, access to education is not just about learning—it’s about equity, opportunity, and breaking cycles of poverty. For women and girls, the barriers to education can be even greater, with societal expectations, financial hardship, and outdated gender norms often standing in the way. But when women like Sandra de Jesús Gurdián gain access to education, they don’t just transform their own lives—they uplift entire communities. Sandra’s journey, from a young girl who refused to let poverty keep her out of school to a teacher empowering the next generation, is a powerful testament to the role education plays in achieving gender equity. With the support of buildOn, communities like Santa Teresa are ensuring that both girls and boys have the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future together.
In Santa Teresa, Nicaragua, Sandra de Jesús Gurdián stands in her beautiful new classroom, surrounded by students who are excited to learn. Her brand new school is just the latest chapter in an inspiring life filled with hard work and dedication in the face of adversity.
Her journey from a barefoot student to confident teacher reveals the transformative power of education.
