At Vasconcelos we are dedicated to bringing new educational technology to every corner of the state of Veracruz. To achieve this, we have a dynamic, multidisciplinary and professional team, mobile classrooms equipped with laptops, an interactive whiteboard, Internet and a vast range of educational material and programs. Our program includes 200 educational software modules with 400 descriptive didactic cards on how to apply them, 124 links to software, free access to 102 information portals for the productive sector and a collection of conventional and virtual reference books in line with current international standards, including the outstanding Galileo series of digital modules.

The Vasconcelos Program forms an integral part of other strategic programs promoted by Fidel Herrera Beltrán’s Government, through an Education Sector Plan for 2005 – 2010: the Clavijero Consortium and its network of classrooms, the Rébsamen Centers, the Educational Channel, the network of online High-school education, the network of Community Digital Centers and the State Network of Libraries.

The objective is to provide technological literacy to marginalized rural and urban communities, to generate quality learning opportunities.

The geographical dispersion of the state population is considered. The best technology services that provide distance and online education are introduced to those who most need them. Hence, the less privileged in Veracruz are given the opportunity to learn for life without leaving their home environments. In this context, the Vasconcelos Program takes an initial step with the objective of humanizing technology and promoting equality in the distribution of knowledge. Technology must become a basic human tool with a social meaning for life in the communities, which implies personalized learning. This contribution generates opportunities for sustainable development with a sense of commitment and social equity.

Our program is inspired by the pioneering educational work of a liberal Philosopher, José Vasconcelos Calderón, who as Mexico’s Minister of Education (1921-1924), introduced cultural missions. Young teachers travelled to marginalized villages to provide literacy and also teach trades, hygiene, how to use natural resources, and provided an introduction to the arts: literature, theatre, painting and music.

The Vasconcelos Cultural Missions transformed the traditional concept of teaching in Mexico; decentralizing education in the country and, most notably, establishing the bases for creating social awareness.

We commenced in July 2005 with a demonstrative tour in order to pilot the project work methodology and visited the municipalities of Tlatetela, Calcahualco and Atlahuilco. Since then we have grown in strength and is currently well positioned within the state educational field. This contributes in a social and human way to improving educational outcomes through technological literacy and most importantly, with an ethos of social equity and a personalized service.

World globalization has created the need to know and use information technology; a new language has been created and the possibilities to access it are limited in rural communities. The Vasconcelos mobile classrooms, through digital educational modules (educational software), cultural, scientific and recreational activities, provide support for local teachers, students, parents, producers, artisans and officials.

This humanist conception of technology, offering a personalized and friendly service that respects cultural and regional differences, recognises the potential for autonomous community development and strives to “contribute” with innovative tools to broaden the horizon for growth.

This endeavours to impact the quality of individuals’ lives through community self-management. In collaboration with teachers in the development of educational programs, it fosters recognition of the cultural values of Veracruz, and provides support for local workers, farmers, artisans and small businesses through training and evaluation of labor skills.

Vasconcelos vehicles are educational spaces for social interaction. Mobile classrooms outfitted in all-terrain passenger buses, which can traverse unpaved and geographically challenging roads. The Ministry of Education of Veracruz (SEV) has designed and patented an efficient and low maintenance model “A” for 15 users. There are further designs, model “B” (trailer) and model “C” (rough terrain) for areas that are extremely difficult to access, all of which are registered in the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property.

• 15 laptop computers.
• Wireless Access Point.
• Self-directing satellite antenna linked to SATMEX 6 satellite for Internet access.
• IP video camera (video conference ability).
• Interactive whiteboard.
• Digital projector.
• Surround sound system.
• DVD and VHS players.
• Air conditioning.
• Independent electrical power supply.
• 200 modules of educational software with descriptive cards.
• 124 free software links.
• Access to 102 information portals for the productive sector.
• Conventional and virtual book collections.

The vehicles carry digital programs (educational software) for children, young students and teachers, including preschool, primary, and secondary. Special programs are also offered to local groups of mothers, laborers, artisans, farmers, people with special needs and elderly members of the community.

The Vasconcelos Vehicles are operated by a team of professionals integrated by: