Timbiquí takes the big leap: the first modular school that brings quality education to the countryside

Luc Williams

Few thought that the rural heart of Timbiquí (Cauca), specifically the Los Brazos village, could have a school that, due to the quality of its infrastructure, had nothing to envy of the educational centers of large cities such as Bogotá, Cali or Medellín. With a pioneering project of the Ministry of Education and CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean), in collaboration with the Government and local communities, it was demonstrated that it is possible to bring quality education to the most remote areas and, with thereby closing educational gaps.

At the beginning of this year we delivered the new facilities of the Puerto Saija Ethno-Educational Institution, Los Brazos headquarters, an innovative project based on modular technology that transforms access to education in the most inaccessible areasoffering an inclusive and quality service to historically marginalized communities. Taking into account that 46.8 percent of the country’s properties are more than ten hours from the nearest city and 65.4 percent more than two hours from the main roads, this project marks significant progress in equitable access to education.

In total, it benefits 132 children and adolescents from the villages near Timbiquí. With the construction of a new area of ​​440 square meters, and more than 400 square meters of existing infrastructure improved, the new educational center has modern classrooms, a multifunctional dining room that will also serve as a community space, and basic services such as drinking water, energy and sanitation. Likewise, the multipurpose field was improved and a dock was built that allows safe access for children and the community. This will be the first in a series of modular schools in Colombia, specifically designed to overcome connectivity barriers in rural areas.

With an investment of 3.6 billion pesos, the project was executed in collaboration with teachers, directors, community leaders and local families. lThe implementation of the modular school system not only optimizes the construction of higher quality educational institutions, but also contributes to expanding educational coverage throughout the national territory.and it is a model that can be replicated in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Investment in educational infrastructure is an essential step, but it must be complemented with initiatives that strengthen academic programs, train teachers, and provide the necessary resources so that students can develop their maximum potential. Today, the Timbiquí school is an example of the benefits of intersectoral coordination, with the common objective of improving the living conditions of the new generations.

*CAF Representative in Colombia

About LUC WILLIAMS

Luc's expertise lies in assisting students from a myriad of disciplines to refine and enhance their thesis work with clarity and impact. His methodical approach and the knack for simplifying complex information make him an invaluable ally for any thesis writer.