Wednesday, July 22nd

Today we were back at Sabio Calde.  We had a wonderful presentation on the school and the population that they serve.  It was fascinating to note that Colombia divides it's population into economic groups 1-5...1 being the lowest.  The population at this school falls within the 1 zone.  They have developed a program that addresses the needs of the whole child.  They not only have academics, but a social worker that runs programs for the students, addressing needs such as domestic violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, and violence within the community.  She also runs programs for the community!  The school is open on Saturdays so that the community can use the library and take advantage of the meal program.  There is a program for elders in the community that provides meals and social support!  There is another "vocational" program called SENA.  All students in the building select a track to pursue from 9th to 11th grade.  They can choose between textiles, administrative/business, or electrical.  These programs go well beyond what we see as vocational programs.  In the textile program they design and create their own clothing and ultimately have a fashion show.  In the business program they design and create their own business and actually get it up and running! The electric program, to me, was the most spectacular!  The students in this program actually learn to wire a house!!!  One of the students explained to us that she chose that particular track because it allowed her to go from theory to practice.  For their final project they actually go to a house in the community and wire the whole house!  They are now in the process of installing solar panels at their school!  Unbelievable!!!!  They also address the needs of the kids and the community through their programs in medical/dental care, psychology, and special education!  In this case they actually do take care of the WHOLE child!  In the afternoon we met with teachers to talk about common challenges.  It was hard to sit and listen to the social/emotional issues that they have to deal with...teaching is quite difficult when students are being beaten at home, family members are lost in conflict...and food and money is scarce!  But...if you were at the school...you were never realize all of that!  It is an incredibly joyful place!  The sound of happy children surrounds you throughout the day! Here are some pics!

Textiles Class

 Administrative/Business Track

Electricity!

After school, we went and visited the Deputy Minister of Education.  Luis Enrique Garcia is an extremely well educated individual!  He studied at Harvard School of Education and has really begun bringing great change to the programming in schools.  They have no national curriculum...however, they do have standards and objectives.  One of the big problems that they face is getting teachers to actually understand and implement the standards.  They are developing a guide with lesson plans and suggestions now that sounds similar to what we have in New York.  One of the group members asked a question about a new program mandated through Congress called the Peace Plan.  The program is designed to address conflict resolution and the problems the citizens of Colombia face as the peace agreement plays out.  Margot asked if they government would object to educators presenting "points of view" from all the players in the conflict...the guerillas, the paramilitary, and the government.  He was quite refreshingly honest when he responded by saying that he was really too biased to answer the question!  Although he realizes that multiple perspectives are important in the learning process...he views the guerillas as terrorists and feels as if they have worked hard to destroy the country.  He then talked about perhaps helping educators to present the concepts, but remove the actors.  The guerillas arose essentially due to issues of social injustice.  So...for example, addressing social injustice and the possible implications without discussing or giving a platform for the guerillas would be appropriate.  It was really a great meeting!

At night we visited the house/museum of Pedro Medina.  He began a grassroots organization to boost the image of Colombia.  He has turned his house into a peace museum addressing inspiration, innovation, imagination and action.  He was so incredibly charismatic!  He actually ran McDonald's in Colombia before deciding his life had more meaning.  Not only did he explain his program, but had us create our own dinner with the ingredients he supplied!  Fortunately...there were some real cooks in the group! :)  He had a quote from Gabriel Garcia Marquez on his wall that truly resonated with me.  “Tell him yes. Even if you are dying of fear, even if you are sorry later, because whatever you do, you will be sorry all the rest of your life if you say no.”   

Today we are back at Sabio Calde...then off to Monteserrat and the Zona Rosa!  Hope to catch up soon!