Ruhi Arbab & Simmons Baháʼí Schools, Colombia
About Ruhi Arbab & Simmons Baháʼí Schools
Mona Partner Since 2020
Since its inception in the early 1980's, the Ruhi Arbab and Simmons Baháʼí Schools have grown to provide high quality K-12 education to children and youth in Puerta Tejada and Jamundi, respectively. Both schools are overseen by the Ruhi Arbab Foundation.
These schools ensure their students become active agents in their learning process. Their
mission is to build capacity in students to access scientific, technological, artistic, and spiritual knowledge in order to develop in them the qualities and skills of service to manage development initiatives in their community.
The Challenge
The population served by the school are families with lower socio-economic levels in rural and semi-urban areas whose parents work in the sugarcane industry. Most are of Afro-Colombian and mestizo descent, with homes where the mothers are the head of household and provide the majority of the family's income. Although children have access to public education, its quality is poor due to school overcrowding and inadequate teacher training. The main emphasis is on academic aspects without giving much importance to the spiritual and moral education of children.
The Solution: Ruhi Arbab & Simmons Baháʼí School Programs
High Quality K - 12 Education
In 2023, the schools focused on teacher training and infrastructure, including updates to the aging electrical wiring and network, building a roof, and adding a computer lab at Simmons School. Despite many challenges, Ruhi Arbab maintained its standing as one of the best schools in the area.
Both schools are recognized by the families and municipalities they serve for the quality of their educational work. Enrollment has been steadily increasing over the past several years, currently
providing high quality education to over 700 students.
In addition to teaching academics, technology, and the arts, the school
offers spiritual and moral education that inspires students to be of service in their communities and promotes their personal and social transformation. In each grade, students are also involved in community service work throughout the school year, such as visiting nursing homes for the elderly, teaching children and junior youth, and environmental stewardship activities.
How we help
Mona began partnering with the Ruhi Arbab and Simmons Baha'i schools in 2020 by supporting the construction of three new primary grade classrooms, two sets of bathrooms, and providing partial scholarships for all students. The expansion supported the schools to continue providing an integral education to their student population so that they may develop intellectually, materially and spiritually.
2024 Achievements
- 660 students educated
- 40 teachers trained
- 951 parents
engaged
2025 Plans, $72,100
Ruhi Arbab Baháʼí School
- Serve
359 students and offer partial scholarships to ensure inclusivity
- Train
19 teachers to implement the "Cultivating Hope Project," helping families achieve food security
- Complete minor repairs
Simmons Baháʼí School
- Educate 301 students
- Construct an administrative area and psychologist's office for the high school campus
- Train 21 teachers
in technological, pedagogical, and socio-emotional competencies