What makes CELCO School model of education so unique is its holistic and practical grounding, a model which incorporates high academic standards, leadership formation, peace-building initiatives, environmental stewardship and socially responsible citizenship.

For a country like Colombia which is still struggling with implementing peace agreements with different actors of armed violence, human rights violations and internal displacement, a holistic and practical model of education like the CELCO’s school is indeed a critical need, a promising opportunity and a tested laboratory for social transformation and peaceful co-existence. CELCO School represents the fertile soil where the promising seeds of social leadership and dignified service- oriented vocations are being planted.

This project is a living example of resilience and passionate mission. Beyond all the unexpected challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic in terms of technology, economics, social interaction, the school adapted to unexpected realities with amazing creativity and thus it survived. Parents, teachers and the community at large developed amazing relationships and solidarities. With the fresh lessons of such resilience, we are now entering into fresh alliances and partnerships so that beyond the 71 years which we are celebrating in 2024, may keep adding new chapters.

60% of the funding will be used to provide scholarships so that families who face economic challenges may ensure their children are enrolled and receive a high academic quality education. By providing scholarships the school will increase the number of students enrolled and thus strengthen its sustainability. 30% will be directed to assist with salaries for teachers. 10% will be used to foster environmental education and activities.

This project has both short- and long-term effects. The short-term impact is to ensure economically challenged families will have access to high quality education and thus pave the way for the educational process to move forward to higher levels. Without the foundations of elementary education, the whole educational process goes nowhere.

The long-term impact is represented in the flourishing of the seeds which are being planted according to the holistic and practical model of education. This impact translates into stronger families, committed leaders, responsible citizens as agents of social change for Colombia.

The CELCO School has exceptionally gifted teachers and a very supportive community of parents. Fundacion Camino de Emaus has a strategic alliance with the school. Working together and collaboratively, we are amplifying the voice, the impact and the opportunities available through the CELCO School. Fundacion Camino de Emaus will serve as ambassador and communicator for the school. We will be providing photos and videos.