CLAYSS joins our families and friends in mourning the passing of teacher Miguel Ángel Risso Patrón, a leader of Solidarity Education in Tucumán, and Dr. Oscar García, current Secretary of Secondary Education and former Secretary of Extension and Student Welfare at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina. Both departed too soon, and we will miss them greatly.
Miguel Ángel Risso Patrón
A teacher committed to solidarity service-learning, Miguel Ángel coordinated projects that left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. He was a teacher and Coordinator of Solidarity Projects in the town of Los Villagra in Tucumán province, Argentina, where his tireless dedication inspired students and community members to work for positive change in the town. His project won the Presidential Award “Solidarity Schools” in 2011.
He advocated for solidarity service-learning through his example, and in public service, as part of the technical team of the solidarity-school programme in the Ministry of Education of Tucumán.
His legacy lives on in every solidarity action he promoted. A generator of high dreams for the community, his influence will live on beyond the classroom. Fly high, our beloved teacher!
In this video, ‘Mis alumnos y las calles del pueblo [My students and the town streets]’, Miguel Ángel recounts the story of how, together with his students, an incredible and much-needed project came about [in Spanish]: https://youtu.be/2iWuWJkdgSk?si=Ku7xru_4iv9XjNnR.
Óscar García
He was the Secretary of University Extension and Student Welfare at UBA (University of Buenos Aires) and a tireless advocate of university engagement and solidarity service-learning. He initiated the comprehensive programme of community action in vulnerable neighbourhoods, which led to the current UBA en Acción [UBA in action] (https://www.instagram.com/ubaenaccion/?hl=es) [website in Spanish], and which won first place in the international award MacJannet Prize 2011 https://talloiresnetwork.tufts.edu/macjannet-prize-2011-winners/). Oscar was also a passionate supporter of UBANEX, the university’s grant programme for university extension projects.
CLAYSS has collaborated with him and other UBA authorities during the design and implementation stage of the Educational Social Practices (ESP), as well as in many projects. His academic production and personal engagement will continue to be relevant not only among his colleagues at the UBA but also for all of us who had the chance to collaborate with him. Farewell, dear Oscar!
Here is his lecture at the first meeting for ESP trainers [in Spanish]: https://youtu.be/upiTrafyUJ8?si=YRFV2P5mrnME1DTS

