1. Introduction & Context
In northern Argentina, the province of Santiago del Estero faces difficult socio-economic conditions. The dry subtropical climate, low rainfall, and limited government support make farming challenging, leaving many rural families struggling to secure stable livelihoods. Education opportunities for children in these communities were limited, and many young people could not access training that would improve agricultural productivity and local development. To address these challenges, Engineers Without Borders Switzerland (IngOG+) and its partner ISF-Argentina supported the expansion of the EFA-Avellaneda Secondary School, a cooperative agricultural school aimed at strengthening agricultural knowledge and providing lasting socio-economic benefits for local families.
2. Project Goal
The project aimed to increase access to quality agricultural education for rural youth and improve their practical skills in farming. By expanding the school’s facilities, the initiative sought to provide more students with the opportunity to attend classes and benefit from hands-on agricultural training. The goal was to strengthen the socio-economic situation of participating families by creating opportunities for better-informed farming practices and apprenticeships. IngOG+ contributed through project execution, technical guidance, and fundraising, ensuring the expansion met both educational and construction standards.
3. Approach & Technical Solution
The project added three classrooms and a teachers’ dormitory to the existing school, increasing the student capacity from 130 to 180 and creating 50 new apprenticeships. The construction combined load-bearing masonry with reinforced concrete frames (“confined masonry”), while vertical loads were distributed through structural steel purlins. Reinforced concrete strip foundations ensured stability. The roof consisted of corrugated sheet steel, with thermal insulation provided by mineral fiber panels and an intermediate gypsum fiber ceiling. IngOG+ managed project execution, offered technical support during construction, and coordinated fundraising to ensure timely completion and high-quality standards.
4. Lessons Learnt & Impact
The project demonstrated how infrastructure improvements can directly benefit rural communities. Expanding the school allowed more children to access education, receive practical agricultural training, and improve farming techniques at home. The creation of 50 new apprenticeships strengthened local livelihoods and provided families with a sustainable pathway to improve their economic situation. Collaboration among the school, local municipality, ISF-Argentina, and IngOG+ ensured that the construction reflected both educational needs and technical standards. The project strengthened local capacity for agricultural education and created a model for future initiatives supporting rural development in Argentina.
