By Amelia Gomez | PEREIRA – 2025/06/17 19:53:42

Educational institutions in Risaralda are actively engaging in the construction of the National Education Decenal Plan 2026-2035. The Ministry of Education of Risaralda has called upon these institutions to conduct educational forums throughout June and July.

This initiative, guided by the Ministry of National Education, encourages each educational community to contemplate, propose, and recommend actions to address the educational challenges specific to their region. Ministerial Directive 01 of 2025 emphasizes that these forums should foster open and democratic dialogues, acknowledging the social, cultural, and environmental realities of each area.

The Secretary of Departmental Education,Dora Ligia Agudelo Martínez,has urged institutions to lead this process with dedication and foresight.

“These forums are not another requirement. They are a collective construction exercise where the voice of each school has the power to influence the country’s educational policies. Listening to us is the first step to transform,” said Agudelo Martínez.

Key topics to be discussed include rural education, student retention, inclusion, strengthening early childhood education, technology integration, valuing the teaching profession, and pathways to higher education. Each institution has the flexibility to adapt its methodology while ensuring broad and inclusive participation from students, teachers, families, alumni, social organizations, and local partners.

in addition, Municipal Education Boards (Jumes), led by municipal mayors in conjunction with the Risaralda Governorate, will convene in various municipalities. Scheduled dates include Apía (July 17), mistató (July 22), Sanctuary (July 29), Pueblo Rico (August 6), and Balboa (August 14).

The insights gathered from these local discussions will be crucial for the Departmental Educational Forum, scheduled for September 12, 2025. This forum will consolidate the department’s most important proposals for the advancement of the new decenal plan.

“These forums are not another requirement…Listening to us is the first step to transform.”

Understanding Education plans and Forums

The development of a National Education Decenal Plan is a complex process involving various stakeholders.These plans typically outline the goals, strategies, and resources needed to improve education over a ten-year period.Institutional forums play a vital role in gathering input from local communities and ensuring that the plan reflects the diverse needs and priorities of different regions.