Last October, Teresa Perales had the opportunity to travel to Bogota to learn first-hand about the implementation of the ProFuturo Programme at the I.E.D. República de Bolivia school. During her visit, she participated in various activities that gave her the opportunity to interact directly with students, teachers, and families, observing first-hand how the programme transforms education through technology and inclusion. In addition, Teresa took the opportunity to share her perspective on the importance of inclusive education and supporting students with Special Educational Needs (SENs), contributing to ProFuturo´s goals.
Our Olympic medallist tells us what happens when you get to know the project first-hand, when you experience it in real time in the place where the real educational transformation happens, when you discover everything that ProFuturo is doing and what it means for everyone: for children, for teachers, for families.
Teresa’s visit aimed to make the importance of digital and educational inclusion in society visible. And guided by the team of Fundación Telefónica Movistar Colombia, they toured the school to learn about the inclusive approach to students with Special Educational Needs (SENs) through various activities that allow them to see the programme being implemented and how it supports students.
And as it’s not like they tell you…
Teresa participated in an interactive classroom activity with the students, using ProFuturo‘s educational tools. During this session, she was able to observe how technology fosters educational innovation and transforms the dynamics of digital learning.
Later, she offered an inspiring talk aimed at Year 6 students, some of them up to 16 years old and with cognitive learning difficulties. In her talk, Teresa stressed that barriers do not define what they can achieve, and that effort and dedication are key to achieving their academic and personal goals. Not only did this moment motivate the students to overcome their challenges, but it also allowed them to interact directly with our Olympic medallist, asking her questions about the barriers she faced, the advice she would give them, and the lessons learned throughout her journey.
In addition, Teresa met with a group of teachers and parents in a space for dialogue, where ideas and experiences were exchanged on educational inclusion and support for students with Special Educational Needs (SENs).
The teachers highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities of working with these students, underlining how the support of programmes such as ProFuturo has enriched their educational practices and has contributed to a more inclusive education suited to the needs of all.
And since it is not the same to be told about it as it is to go and talk to them, Perales commented that it was a revelation to be in the classrooms and see how the teachers are very motivated every day and eager to go to work and educate the children in academic training, in values and with that affection with which she saw everyone working.
“And it is not the same as being told about it, when you come here and talk to the children and they tell you that now, unlike before, they come very happily to study, they come very happily every day to school to learn, to share with their classmates, in a very fun way as well, with those tablets with which they can have access to new technologies and learn in a much simpler way.”
Teresa Perales concludes with a few words full of emotion and learning: “nor is it the same to be told about it, rather than to have talked to families, to some mothers I’ve met, who told me how their lives have changed, how now their children come to school with a lot of enthusiasm and how they are learning many new things. Some who are starting their sports career and how this is also helping them in the training and in the personal aspect because in the end they are growing as human beings.”
Thank you very much Teresa for sharing your experience with us!
ProFuturo is much more than an educational programme: it is an invisible revolution that transforms schools and whole communities
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