Pindoty school project overcomes challenges on the path to educational access

In the remote indigenous community of Pindoty, nestled deep in the jungle of Misiones Province, Argentina, there has never been a school. Children have had no access to formal education, and entire generations have grown up without the basic infrastructure that supports learning. Seeing the urgent need, Acronis committed to building the very first school in the village – a project driven by the belief that knowledge is a right, not a privilege.

With the generous donation of our partner LAN Infotech and the invaluable informational support of Manchester City F.C., construction began in early 2024 and is now well underway – despite unprecedented difficulties on the ground.

The construction team has made steady progress across multiple fronts. The floor is currently being filled and leveled with rubble and earth to prepare for ceramic tiling. Walls are erected and ready for plastering, while the roof structure is in place and prepared for sealing. These efforts are supported daily by the tireless engagement of the local community, who are actively involved in every aspect of the work. From transporting water, stones, and cement, to selecting timber posts and harvesting natural materials like tacuara cane for traditional architectural finishes, their participation has been unwavering. Five community chiefs, in coordination with the local municipality, are holding regular meetings to ensure inclusive decision-making and project oversight.

The journey so far has not been without significant setbacks. Extreme weather conditions, including prolonged periods of torrential rain, destructive floods, and intense storms linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon, have repeatedly disrupted construction activities. Transporting building materials to the remote site has proven to be one of the most complex obstacles, as the only access roads are in poor condition and impassable during bad weather. Adding to the difficulty, the region has been experiencing extreme heat, with Misiones recently recognized as one of the hottest places on Earth. Daily temperatures and solar radiation levels have made physical labor exhausting and, at times, dangerous. These complications are further compounded by a regional dengue outbreak, widespread food insecurity due to destroyed harvests, and the aftermath of a national political transition.

Despite these enormous challenges, the team continues to move forward with resilience and flexibility. Construction advances at the rhythm dictated by nature, with work scheduled around weather conditions. The project remains on track for completion in summer 2025, at which point the children of Pindoty will finally have access to a safe and inspiring learning environment – something their community has waited for generations to receive.

Acronis Cyber Foundation Program welcomes individuals, groups, and companies to partner with us to work side-by-side with underserved communities to bring them hope through education.