Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Fe y Alegría Colombia, a remarkable organization supported by GCE-US member American Jesuits International. Celebrating its 52nd anniversary next year, Fe y Alegría is known for its transformative approach to education and community development. Fe y Alegría's work resonates deeply with its mission to ensure quality, inclusive education for all.

The Colombian Constitution of 1991 enshrines education as a right and, overall, Colombia has made tremendous progress in ensuring that all children can access at least a primary education. As of 2022, about 289,000 primary age children were out of school yet disparities based on region and income still exist.

Historically, Fe y Alegría has operated public schools throughout Colombia, but has transitioned to providing both formal education programs in rural and under-served communities as well as capacity building programs. This includes early childhood centers, primary and secondary schools, vocational training facilities, and community development centers.

In addition, Fe y Alegría focuses on improving educational quality and systems, teacher training, curriculum development, and offering education certifications. They also collect data on violent incidents in schools to inform and improve their programs. With 135,586 program participants and 3,014 dedicated staff members in 2023, their impact is both significant and far-reaching.

During my visit to an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center, I witnessed firsthand the importance placed on early education. The center serves 190 children aged 2-5 years and emphasizes a curriculum focused on play and social-emotional learning. The Center employs this government-supported methodology that clearly has a positive impact on children's development.

One of the core principles of Fe y Alegría is to empower individuals and communities to make decisions about their own futures. This approach not only fosters independence and self-reliance but also ensures that education is tailored to the unique needs of each community.

My visit to Fe y Alegría Colombia was both enlightening and inspiring. Their dedication to transforming communities through education is evident in every aspect of their work. By focusing on inclusive education and community empowerment, Fe y Alegría is not only changing lives but also setting a powerful example for educational programs worldwide. As

they celebrate their 52nd anniversary, their unwavering commitment to their mission continues to shine brightly, paving the way for a better future through education.