Preschool Classrooms Established in 10 Schools Across Colombia

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) contributed to regional education by establishing classrooms for four-year-olds as part of an early childhood education project in Bucaramanga, Colombia.

The classrooms, created through a joint project between TİKA and the Municipality of Bucaramanga, were inaugurated with the participation of Beste Pehlivan Sun, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá; Jaime Andrés Beltrán, Mayor of Bucaramanga; officials from TİKA’s Bogotá office; Martha Cecilia Guarín Lizcano, Secretary of Education of the Municipality of Bucaramanga; Julian Diaz Zambrano, Secretary of International Relations; as well as parents, teachers, school administrators, and representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Colombia.

In line with the criteria set by the Ministry of National Education, a total of 10 early childhood classrooms were established in 10 different public schools across the city. For the first time in Bucaramanga, four-year-old children have been included in public school education. The project will provide education to 200 children per semester with the goal of reaching more than 1,000 families over a five-year period.

This initiative by TİKA is a pilot project that lays the foundation for opening additional classrooms throughout the city. Expanding public support for parents, particularly those who wish to enter the workforce but lack childcare options, is crucial. In this regard, the project aims to improve overall social welfare by enhancing the quality of life for both children and their families.

By facilitating the participation of parents in the workforce, especially those without access to childcare, the project also contributes to broader societal well-being. In addition to the direct educational benefits for children, it seeks to support the quality of life of families.

“Hope not only to children but also to their families”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jaime Andrés Beltrán, Mayor of Bucaramanga, emphasized the importance of providing safe and high-quality educational environments for children. He stated, “These classrooms have brought hope not only to children but also to their families. I thank the Republic of Türkiye and TİKA for this valuable contribution.”

Martha Cecilia Guarín Lizcano, Secretary of Education, highlighted the project’s social impact and remarked, “Thanks to these classrooms, families no longer need to turn to the private sector or leave their children with unqualified caregivers. We are grateful to TİKA.”

Alessandro Cacciapuoti, Regional Director of IOM Cúcuta, stated that the initiative carried out under the slogan “Together we are much more!” has become a tangible success thanks to the support of TİKA.

In Bucaramanga, where the Venezuelan migrant population is significant, the project holds great importance for migrant families as well. IOM provides technical support to the classrooms established with TİKA’s assistance. As a result, a comprehensive development process has been launched, including the implementation of social, and psychological support programs in schools.