When I think of Camino del Sol, I see myself as a guardian of the people and the processes that make this place an educational village – a space where the realms of nature converge and human encounters become an opportunity to share, learn and teach in harmony. Play and imagination have a creative place here, embedded in the daily work of a country house.

Our daily practices are instances of dynamic learning. We prepare cultivation areas, care for animals, build ecological learning spaces and constantly ask ourselves how we can grow in harmony with nature. Social encounters, cultural celebrations and moments of reconnection with nature are ever-present.
In everyday gestures – in working, meeting and pausing – we seek to touch the great mystery that sustains our existence.

We value meaningful activities, the experience of wonder, and developing trust as learners: trust in people, in plants, in animals, in the earth. By moving forward together, often intuitively, we continually rediscover what it means to be on earth.

A special highlight of our learning community is the monthly family gathering. It is the moment when we create, celebrate, give thanks and live together. Our educational community grows above all through shared working days, during which a sense of connection and responsibility for one another develops.

We are located in Cali, Colombia, on a 2.5-hectare plot between town and countryside. It is currently rented, but we hope to be able to purchase it in order to establish our Aldea Pedagógica permanently and open it up to more families. Originally founded as a centre for educational and therapeutic support, the kindergarten has developed into a place focused on families. Today, we support 47 children aged between two and nine from very diverse cultural and social backgrounds. We will soon be officially opening the primary school as well.

Our team brings experience from emergency pedagogy, special needs education, art therapy, and other fields. We are learning to create abundance, not to fear scarcity, and to see ourselves as a social organism. We are currently seeking support to purchase the land and transform it into a school farm practising biodynamic agriculture.

Sandra Londoño