Barranquilla boosts the digital future of its young people with the launch of the second edition of the +Education +Innovation program

The District Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, through the Ministry of Education, officially launched the second edition of the +Education +Innovation program, an initiative that seeks to transform the future of more than 8,000 young people by strengthening their digital and occupational skills, with a view to improving their employability and preparation for the challenges of the 21st century.

The launching event was held at the Hogar Mariano IED and was attended by the Secretary of Education, Paola Amar, and representatives of the partner organizations.

During the ceremony, the joint investment between the public and private sectors of more than 6 billion pesos was highlighted, which will allow the implementation of innovative training in 28 educational institutions in the district. The program includes intracurricular modules in areas such as artificial intelligence, web development, data analysis, business thinking and strategies for working life, with an intensity of 2 hours per week, as well as the training of 35 teachers in innovative teaching methodologies.

One of the most significant moments was the socialization of experiences by students and teachers participating in the program, who shared their achievements and lessons learned. The event also included a symbolic digital signature animation that officially marked the start of the 2025 edition.

In addition, a strategic pillar for the sustainability of the program is the strengthening of the installed capacity in the schools, through a staggered training model that will allow teachers to progressively acquire the necessary skills to replicate the modules in an autonomous and sustainable manner.

“The educational transformation of Barranquilla involves providing real tools to our young people to build their future with autonomy, knowledge and purpose. Today we reaffirm our commitment to digital education and the strengthening of skills that respond to the challenges of the 21st century,” said Paola Amar, District Secretary of Education.

Allies for the future

The program is implemented under a special cooperation agreement with Crack the Code and strategic allies, and seeks to connect young people with real professional development opportunities through tools such as LinkedIn, interview simulations and resume writing.

“We believe that educational innovation should be available to all girls, boys and young people. That is why joining the +Education +Innovation program represents an opportunity to take our purpose of social transformation to the heart of the classroom,” said Carmen Elena Díaz Gutiérrez, Caribbean regional leader of United Way Colombia.

“We are convinced that the future of young people is built with access to opportunities that allow them to grow and develop. Today we are taking another step forward, working together for an education connected to employment and entrepreneurship,” added José Francisco Aguirre, executive director of the Santo Domingo Foundation.

In the same vein, Juliana Vernaza, Country Manager Colombia – Crack The Code added: “At Crack The Code we believe that digital skills not only transform the present of students, but also open doors to their dreams and professional future. Participating in the second edition of +Education +Innovation reaffirms our commitment to an education with purpose, which connects young people with employment, entrepreneurship and opportunities that will allow them to build the future they imagine.”

With this commitment to digital training, technological development and youth empowerment, Barranquilla consolidates its vision as a city of knowledge and innovation.