Cristina Fernández Retires After 34 Years Greeting Andorran Schoolchildren

Cristina Fernández retires after 34 years at the Escola Andorrana de Santa Coloma, where she became a familiar presence greeting children by name each morning with a warm smile.

The youngest of 10 siblings from León, originally living in the Basque Country, Fernández arrived in Andorra by chance as a young woman visiting a friend. She met her future husband, married at 19, and settled permanently—what she calls the best decision of her life. Initially working in dialysis at the old hospital, her path shifted during the 1990 World Petanque Championship, where she assisted with setup and promotion. The event's success led Roser Bastida, then director general of Andorran schools, to recruit her for the education system.

Starting in temporary barracks in Escaldes-Engordany, Fernández worked without textbooks, following the Montessori method. She illustrated materials, earned level C Catalan proficiency, managed supplies, and substituted in primary classes. Her crafting skills shone through: she designed the La Mochi school logo and recently created travel suitcases, a Santa Claus mailbox, a train-shaped chestnut machine, and festive decorations.

Over decades, she witnessed the Andorran school network expand from primary sites in Sant Julià de Lòria, Escaldes-Engordany, and La Massana. The schools have remained open to newcomers and students with special needs, emphasizing respect for diversity and individuality.

Fernández highlights greater parental involvement as today's key challenge. With demanding work schedules, parents often struggle to engage, leaving gaps in quality time. Children as young as three sometimes wait hours for pickup during illness, and they crave parental presence at school events to feel valued. Staff, she says, sometimes step in as surrogate mothers—or in her case, grandmothers—while monitoring for external issues.

Children, she insists, are the most grateful people, rewarding simple gestures like personalized greetings that make them feel unique. Her retirement farewell brimmed with emotion: surprises culminated in a classroom tour where a preschooler named Berni tearfully asked, "Who will say good morning, Berni, every day?" Overwhelmed, she cried as the little ones clung to her legs.

Now, Fernández plans to rest, spend time with her daughter and elderly sisters, but vows to visit the school she regards as her second family.