Fundacion Colombiando
Transforming isolated one-room schools into thriving learning hubs in rural Colombia.
One teacher, six grades, one classroom. We turn this challenge into an opportunity by bringing teachers, children, and communities together to make learning happen.
Strengthen rural multigrade teaching in Colombia by working alongside educators and communities to develop practical, locally relevant learning approaches that transform one-room schools into collaborative learning communities.
In rural one-room schools in Colombia, two out of three children finish primary school unable to read a simple text or perform basic math. The challenge? One teacher is expected to teach up to six grades simultaneously, using methods designed for single-grade classrooms. Our research found that students spend less than 8% of class time actively learning. Colombiando is changing this reality through hands-on teacher training, low-tech project-based learning, and AI-powered support, helping children learn independently, but also learn to collaborate, and develop foundational skills. By connecting education with local knowledge and communities, we make learning relevant to children's lives. Today, teachers for over 2,248 students have changed their way of teaching in a one-room school. Help transform the reality of another rural classroom in Colombia. Donate today.
Our impact to date: 2,250+ students attend rural schools where teachers are adopting teaching methodologies designed for multigrade classrooms. 143 rural teachers connected through our multigrade education network across 7 Colombian departments. 93% of participating teachers surveyed reported implementing new instructional practices. 238 days of classroom immersion and research, helping us develop solutions grounded in the realities of rural education.
Our primary beneficiaries are rural multigrade teachers, who often lack specialized training, context-appropriate educational materials, and continuous pedagogical support. Our ultimate beneficiaries are children aged 5–12, who attend a rural one-room schools from kindergarten through fifth grade and learn all together in one-classroom. Our broader beneficiaries include families, caregivers, and rural communities, whose knowledge, culture, and participation are essential to connecting education with children's lives and fostering local development.