Verónica Castañeda

Miguel Ángel Manrique

Lina angarita

Sara Valenzuela

Isabella Moncada

Zabdiel Ramírez

Embera Chami

Before the sun rises over the mountains, I wake up to the song of the birds. I get out of my hammock and walk to the river, where the cold water fills me with energy. I paint my face with jagua, as the elders taught me, and prepare for the day.

I accompany my mother to the chagra, where we take care of the maize, cassava, and plantain crops. The land is wise and generous, but it must be treated with respect. As I work, I listen to the whisper of the wind through the trees and the distant sound of the river, which never stops speaking.

Later, my father returns from hunting with the other men. In the maloca, we share roasted fish and maize arepas. Food brings us together, and as we eat, the elders tell stories of our ancestors.

In the afternoon, I sit next to the wise man of the community. He tells me about medicinal plants and the spirits that inhabit the forest. I listen carefully because I know that one day I will have to remember everything I am learning now.

When the sun begins to set, I run with the other children to the riverbank. We play until the night covers us with its dark mantle. I return home and settle into my hammock as my grandmother sings an ancient song. Her voice blends with the sounds of the jungle, and little by little, my eyes close, ready for a new day.

Juan Esteban Benítez

Nicolás García

María Paula Gómez

Felipe Mejía

Santiago Restrepo

Karol Angélica Rodriguez

Sebastian Vivi

Educacion in one of these environments, especially in the Wayúu community, would be boring in the first instance since it does not have the materials to which one is normally accustomed; on the other hand, it could be an enriching experience in terms of knowledge about nature, medicine, dances and language. As for the relationship with others, we do not consider that it will be bad, the Wayúu are a shy community based on respect. We do not know the possible methods, but judging by the place where they live, it would be a learning process where they are always interacting with the environment. The daily experiences could be a little uncomfortable when it comes to going to the bathroom, taking a bath or even hunting; because of the circumstances, we would not perform so well for the simple fact of not belonging to this culture.

After a long journey through the mountains, we finally arrived at the Emberá Chamí community. The forest was green and full of life, and we were welcomed with smiles and traditional music. The school was a simple wooden building, but the students looked happy and excited to learn. They greeted us in Emberá, and even though we didn’t understand everything, their kindness made us feel at home. The teacher, Dorila, told us that students learn through stories and nature, not just books.

Our first lesson was under a big ceiba tree. The topic was medicinal plants. Instead of reading, we walked through the forest, touching and smelling different leaves while learning their uses. Miguel, one of the students, showed us how his grandmother makes natural medicine. It was amazing to see how much they know about their environment. The next day, we listened to elders telling myths about how the world was created. Later, we learned how to make natural dyes and painted our arms with jagua, a black ink made from fruit. It felt special to take part in their traditions.

Music is very important in Embera culture. One day, the teacher used flutes and drums to teach us about rhythm. We also learned a traditional dance that shows gratitude to nature. It was a fun way to understand their customs and work together as a group. As our time in the community came to an end, we realized how different their school is from ours. Here, they learn from nature, stories, and traditions, not just from books and tests. We made new friends, learned valuable lessons, and saw that education is more than just classrooms—it’s about culture and community. Leaving was hard, but we promised to share their stories. This experience changed how we see learning forever.

Day 2: Today we learned about traditional medicine in the community. The teacher took us to the forest and taught us to identify medicinal plants. Then, he showed us how to prepare natural remedies for common illnesses. I was amazed by the community's knowledge of nature.

Day 3: Today we had a class on traditional music and dance. We learned to play instruments like the flute and drum, and danced to traditional rhythms. I loved the energy and passion they put into their music and dance.

Day 4: Today we learned about the community's history and culture. Teacher told us about the community's struggle for their rights and territory. I was impressed by the community's strength and resilience.

Day 5: Today we had a class on art and crafts. We learned to make traditional objects like baskets and necklaces. I enjoyed the creativity and skill they have for making beautiful.

Sebastian Ceballos

Sara Gomez

Laura Erazo

David Libreros

Carlos Bolivar

Every day I wake up in a chosa with my family, my daughter Chitzen, my son Achonwaa, and my wife Laura in La Guajira, Colombia. Then I bathe and pray to Juyá to welcome the day. After sweeping the land, I go to the well to draw water. Laura prepares breakfast while Achonwaa runs around, and Chitzen, more serious, takes care of the animals or helps sell at the market.

At midday, the sun burns brightly, but the shade of the hut gives us some relief. Sometimes Laura and I don't talk much, but I always make sure to remind her how grateful I am to have her. In the afternoon, I sit looking at the horizon while the wind brings with it the echoes of our ancestors' voices, as if Juyá is guiding us, as always.

Maria Fernanda Patiño

Day 1

We arrived at the Embera Chamí school, surrounded by lush green mountains. Classes take place in a wooden hut, and lessons start with a traditional greeting. The teacher speaks both Embera and Spanish, helping us understand their language.

Day 2

Today, we learned about medicinal plants used by the community. Science is taught through nature, and we even walked through the forest to identify plants. Our classmates were curious about us and asked many questions.

Day 3

Math class was different from what we’re used to—students use seeds and drawings to solve problems. There’s also storytelling time, where elders share history and legends, making learning feel alive.

Day 4

On our last day, we joined a music class with traditional instruments. The school teaches both modern subjects and their cultural heritage. We’ve learned so much beyond books respect for nature, community, and traditions.

Gabriela Bonilla Garcia

Jhon Edinson Hortua

Tatiana Tamayo González

Isabella Verá Guerrero

Sergio Andrés Zemanate

Our short story:

Today I got up at 5:00 AM. Then, I made the breakfast for the family, we have a common dish in our community. Next, I took a shower in the sea, got dressed and started to make chores such as knitting backpacks while my oldest daughter prepared the lunch for all family. In this way, in the afternoon my youngest daughter practiced the traditional dance of my community before to be locked up and begin the journey to become a women