More than 160 students from the Oscar Castro Zúñiga High School and the Augusto D'Halmar School began the educational visits program to promote school attendance and coexistence in the O'Higgins Region. The initiative is promoted by Codelco El Teniente Division, in collaboration with the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Education and the Sewell Foundation.

The O'Higgins Regional Secretary of Education, Alyson Hadad, explained that “this initiative makes a big difference in school attendance and motivation for the comprehensive development of students. This collaboration is fundamental because it allows students to explore Sewell, which represents an enriching cultural experience.”

El Teniente Community Development Director Cristian Sanhueza explained that “this program not only offers a unique window into the rich history and heritage of our region, but it also fits into one of the fundamental pillars of our approach: education. This practical and tangible approach helps students connect theoretical knowledge with reality, awakening their curiosity and maintaining their interest in learning.”

Francisca Flores, spokesperson for the Federation of Secondary School Students in the region, said that "it definitely promotes culture at a regional level. It is also an interesting outing where we learn about history and mining. We are excited that it will be repeated in more schools."

The program of visits seeks to contribute to the reactivation of school attendance, to overcome the impact of the pandemic. According to figures from the Center for Studies of the Ministry of Education, the average attendance accumulated by April 2024 was 89.8%, one percentage point more than in the same period last year.

Marcela Droguett, director of the Oscar Castro Zúñiga Bicentennial High School, commented that "all institutions, public and private companies should be involved in education. These visits are very valuable for improving coexistence, in the sense of unity and belonging, to give opportunities to students who do not have this possibility."

Pamela Sáez, president of the General Center for Parents and Guardians of the school, stressed that "these spaces are valuable for coexistence, attendance and for offering opportunities to students who would not otherwise have them. Without a doubt, we hope to create more spaces that foster unity, a sense of belonging and the appreciation of their opportunities."

Requirements for participation include increasing class attendance, promoting good school coexistence and participating in one of the SENDA O'Higgins programs.