Edna Alfaro Ramblas
In 2016, Edna Alfaro found herself waiting for her daughter Megan at her elementary school when she was approached by teachers from AVANCE. They were distributing flyers with information about PCEP and how to enroll. At that time, Edna was unfamiliar with early childhood development and unsure how she could set her children up for success.
Upon joining PCEP with her second daughter Nicole, Edna discovered how much learning takes place during a child’s early years and how she could foster her daughters’ growth. The program taught Edna the significance of being present and actively involved in her children’s education. PCEP also empowered Edna, building her self-confidence and showing her how to motivate her children and nurture their abilities. She graduated from PCEP in 2017, but after her third daughter Samara was born, Edna went through PCEP again to provide Samara with the same solid foundation as her sister.
Edna credits PCEP with helping her understand how to guide all of her daughters toward a bright future. Although Megan didn’t attend PCEP, she enjoyed seeing her younger sisters participate in the activities and has benefited from her mother’s support and newfound skills. Nicole, at nine years old, is an excellent student who loves reading and dreams of one day becoming a nurse. Edna says Nicole’s teachers always speak highly of her. Edna’s youngest, Samara, is now four years old and recently graduated from PCEP. Samara has already learned the basics of reading, writing, counting, and identifying colors and shapes. She enjoys reading books with her mother, and most importantly, she is ready for PreK, often talking about being the best student.
Edna’s experience with AVANCE changed her perspective of the future because she now believes in her daughters’ potential to attend universities and pursue professional careers. Empowered and confident, Edna is ready to provide them with the support and motivation to succeed on their journeys.