Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News 2 > Global Teacher Prize - Finalists > 2017 Finalists Global Teacher Prize > Mario Rodrigo Santibanez Caro

Mario Rodrigo Santibanez Caro

Chile - Liceo Instituto Tecnológico y Comercial Recoleta
Mario Rodrigo Santibanez Caro - Chile
Mario Rodrigo Santibanez Caro - Chile

Mario originally studied biology at university and has been always been involved in activities to help underprivileged youth. Before he was a teacher professionally, he worked in remedial education courses for adults in neighbourhood associations, and formed youth groups for high school students. During his final studies he spent time doing fieldwork in rural areas and, with a friend, set up an NGO to found a school in order to promote sustainable social development for a rural community.

Later, Mario moved to Santiago and found work in a Technical Professional School, where 85% of the students were socially vulnerable or from dysfunctional families. Others were from areas with high crime rates or were victims of physical/mental abuse. The challenge was much greater. However, Mario has paved the way in using computers and science to get these students motivated. In 2014, the class won a competition for innovative activities in the classroom with their project of a Solar Water Heater to provide hot water to the locker rooms of the school. Students have been invited on numerous occasions to the “I want to be a scientist” program of Radio Universidad de Chile, where they interview a scientist each week. Mario was hired in 2016 by the Youth Science Foundation to tutor at five scientific academies created in the commune of Quilicura.

With the prize funds, Mario would like to build a school in southern Chile, to develop its communities, and found an organization that creates outreach and scientific literacy programs.

Similar stories

Yvan Girouard - Canada

Canada - Les Etchemins secondary school More...

Brazil - Municipal School Luiz Gonzaga More...

Argentina - EEM N° 1 DE14 'Federico García Lorca' More...

UAE - Al Dhait Secondary School More...

Bangladesh - Upazila Sadar Model Govt. Primary School More...

Most read

This website is powered by
ToucanTech