Türkiye launches early childhood education project in Colombia

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has established preschool classrooms in 10 public schools in Bucaramanga, Colombia, as part of a project developed in collaboration with the Bucaramanga Municipality.

Türkiye supports inclusive education in Latin America

The project was launched with an official ceremony attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogota Beste Pehlivan Sun, Bucaramanga Mayor Jaime Andres Beltran, representatives from TIKA’s Bogota office, school administrators, parents, teachers, and officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mayor Beltran emphasized the importance of providing safe and high-quality educational environments for children. “These classrooms have brought hope not only to our children but also to their families. I sincerely thank the Türkiye and TIKA for this meaningful contribution,” he said.

Empowering families, building futures

IOM Cucuta Regional Director Alessandro Cacciapuoti also highlighted the project’s success, stating, “This initiative, carried out under the slogan ‘Together we are more,’ has turned into a concrete achievement thanks to TIKA’s support.”

Designed according to the criteria of Colombia’s Ministry of National Education, the initiative marks the first time 4-year-old children have been enrolled in public education in Bucaramanga.

Over 1,000 families to benefit in 5 years

Each term, the program will provide early education for 200 children, with more than 1,000 families expected to benefit over the next five years. As a pilot initiative, the project is expected to pave the way for the creation of additional preschool classrooms across the city.

Beyond education, the project seeks to improve the quality of life for working parents by easing their participation in the labor force—especially for those who struggle to find childcare.