Risaralda Education Secretariat Decentralizes Services in Urgent Move for Rural Schools
Guaticas, Risaralda – July 26, 2025 – In a significant step towards bolstering education in rural communities, the Risaralda Education Secretariat has launched a new initiative to bring its services directly to schools in the municipalities of Guaticas and Quinchía. This breaking news highlights a proactive approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by educational institutions in non-certified areas, promising faster response times and increased community engagement. This is a major win for Risaralda’s commitment to equitable education.
‘Dialogues of Knowledge’: A New Era of Accessibility
The initiative, dubbed ‘Dialogues of Knowledge,’ represents a strategic decentralization effort. Instead of requiring rectors to travel to regional offices, the Secretariat’s technical team – encompassing experts in coverage, quality, human talent, infrastructure, legal matters, administration, and the School Food Program (PAE) – visited the region to engage directly with the 14 rectors of official educational institutions. Secretary of Education, Dora Ligia Agudelo Martínez, emphasized the core philosophy: “We are convinced that educational management must be done with the community and for that we leave the desk and reach the territory.” This isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about building relationships and understanding the on-the-ground realities.
Addressing Urgent Needs: From School Coexistence to Infrastructure
The concerns voiced by the rectors were remarkably consistent, pointing to systemic challenges requiring immediate attention. Top priorities included improving school coexistence (addressing behavioral issues and fostering a positive learning environment), tackling staffing shortages, managing overtime assignments, securing infrastructure maintenance, and optimizing the operation of the PAE. Crucially, the Secretariat didn’t just listen; dedicated technical tables were established to provide immediate guidance and map out concrete solution pathways. This rapid response capability is a key benefit of the decentralized approach.
Building Trust and Efficiency Through Direct Engagement
Alejandro Ugarte Rico, the core director, highlighted the efficiency gains. “The rectors can raise their needs directly to the technical teams. That shortens the times, improves communication and generates trust. It is an effective way to bring the Secretariat closer to the territory,” he stated. This direct line of communication bypasses bureaucratic hurdles and fosters a sense of partnership between the Secretariat and the schools. In an era where trust in institutions is often fragile, this level of accessibility is invaluable.
Local Leadership Praises Decentralization Strategy
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the educational sphere. Ferney Castro Colorado, the mayor of Guaticas, lauded the move as a vital step towards program decentralization. “The educational node seems super important because it is the opportunity that the Ministry of Education has to decentralize the programs and bring them here to the municipality,” he commented. This local endorsement underscores the potential for increased community ownership and accountability.
Student Innovation on Display: A Glimpse into the Future
The ‘Dialogues of Knowledge’ event wasn’t solely focused on administrative concerns. A vibrant student venture fair showcased the innovative spirit of Risaralda’s young learners. Students from institutions like the Santa Ana Educational Institution proudly presented their productive pedagogical projects, ranging from artisanal foods and organic coffee to ornamental plants and even a novel food supplement for horses – aptly named ‘Firm Step.’ This initiative demonstrates a commitment to not just academic learning, but also practical skills development and entrepreneurial thinking. Sofia Ramírez Galeano, a tenth-grade student, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We came with cakes and coffee that we prepared at school. It has been very nice to show what we do with so much effort.”
The Risaralda Education Secretariat’s proactive approach to decentralization signals a broader trend in educational administration – a move towards greater responsiveness, community engagement, and a focus on the unique needs of individual schools. This initiative isn’t just about solving immediate problems; it’s about building a more resilient and equitable education system for the future. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and insights into the evolving landscape of education in Risaralda and beyond. For more information on educational initiatives in Colombia, visit the Colombian Ministry of Education’s website.
