In all three regions, local government has played an encouraging role. Mayors’ offices facilitated venues for our gatherings, while representatives from the Secretaries of Education participated and actively encouraged school directors to become involved in the program. This kind of local ownership is important. Sustainable teacher growth cannot depend only on a program or an outside organization; it becomes stronger when schools, educators, and local authorities see themselves as part of the process.
Resilience Amidst Adversity in Caldas
Our visit to Caldas was particularly meaningful. The region is still recovering from the powerful earthquake of August 10, which damaged homes, public buildings, and many educational facilities. At León de Judá, the school principal, who also serves as coordinator for CreSiendo in the region, shared this reality with us personally: her own apartment building was destroyed in the earthquake. Yet she continues to support other educators and help the program move forward.
Beyond Training: Empowering Community Leaders
Moments like this remind us that Teacher Growth is ultimately about much more than completing modules or attending training. It is about strengthening people who lead, teach, and serve their communities, sometimes under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Adapting CreSiendo Juntos to Local Realities
Throughout the journey, we have also been hearing how educators are adapting CreSiendo Juntos to their own realities. Teachers and school leaders have spoken about stronger relationships, greater openness to learning from colleagues, new ways to organize the program when time is limited, and a desire to keep growing together.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Colombia and Guatemala
This visit is also part of a broader exchange between the Teacher Growth programs in Colombia and Guatemala. The two countries have different contexts, experiences, and strengths. In the coming days, representatives will sit together to explore what each can learn from the other, what challenges we share, and what we may be able to do better together.
Driving Transformation Through Connection
We are traveling many kilometers on this journey, from Montería to Riohacha, Caldas, and Bogotá, but perhaps the most important movement is happening through the conversations along the way: educators, organizations, and local leaders recognizing that transformation becomes possible when people take ownership and grow together.