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For the first time, the municipality will offer a college preparatory program and will strengthen crime prevention efforts with a modern video surveillance system connected to the National Police.
More opportunities for young people and greater security for the community. With these goals in mind, María Elena organized one of the most significant events leading up to its centennial celebration, marked by the launch of its first-ever college prep program and the installation of a modern video surveillance system— two initiatives aimed at making progress in key areas for the development of the community and its residents.
The main highlight of the day was the launch of the School Outreach and Educational Pathways Project, an initiative sponsored by the Municipality of María Elena, SQM, Minera Antucoya and Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) for the school’s 12th-grade students. The program not only aims to strengthen their academic skills so they can take the Higher Education Admission Test (PAES), but also to foster other key skills for successfully navigating the transition to higher education. The program will take place at the Humanities and Science Professional Technical High School in María Elena, culminating in a gathering at the UCN campus.
Aníbal Abogabir, Manager of Communities and Public Affairs, stated: “The project will benefit more than 36 students, who will participate in a preparatory program alongside UCN faculty members, strengthening their ability to navigate the process of gaining access to higher education.”
Along the same lines, Tamara Gaete, Head of Community Relations at Minera Antucoya, noted that: “This project evolved from a historic initiative for María Elena, built on collaborative work and a shared conviction: young people’s talent deserves more opportunities to shape their lives and plan for their futures.”
Speaking on behalf of the university, Carlos Díaz, Director General of Community Engagement at UCN, praised the bond forged with the community and the institution’s contribution to regional development. “As a university we are deeply grateful to be part of this initiative. Our university is deeply committed to working in the region and contributing to the development of the Antofagasta Region,” he said.
Greater security for the community
The event also featured the launch of a state-of-the-art video surveillance system consisting of 25 security cameras with 360-degree vision technology, installed at strategic locations throughout the municipality. The initiative was developed through a joint effort between the Municipality of María Elena, SQM, Factor de Cambio and Chilean National Police, with the goal of strengthening emergency prevention and response capabilities.
The system has a monitoring room that operates 24 hours a day and maintains direct contact with the National Police and the municipality, thereby strengthening crime prevention and improving emergency response.
After the two initiatives were presented, María Elena Mayor Viviana Cuello Rivera highlighted the value of collaboration among the various institutions that made these advances possible.
“When the municipality, private companies, institutions and the community work together, results follow. Today we are demonstrating that, by joining forces, we can carry out projects that provide more opportunities for our young people and make it safer for our neighbors,” he said.
As part of the activities organized to mark the centennial of María Elena, both initiatives reflect a shared vision for the community that combines new opportunities for future generations, improved security and recognition of those who have helped shape its history.
Within this framework, the event culminated with a Centennial Recognition Ceremony honoring 17 institutions and individuals for their contributions in the areas of sports, heritage and education, highlighting their achievements, commitment and dedication to the development and identity of María Elena.
