Some forms of learning can change the course of a life forever. Learning to read is one of them. Reading does more than enable us to understand a text; it opens the door to knowledge, strengthens critical thinking, and gives children the opportunity to discover the world and build their own future. 

Yet the reality presents us with an enormous challenge: in Colombia, two out of every three children under the age of 10 are unable to read and understand a text appropriate for their age. This figure, supported by the World Bank, reminds us of the urgent need to work together to ensure that all students develop this fundamental skill during the early years of their education.

It was with this purpose that Colombia se Escribe Leyendo was created—a nationwide collective-impact initiative that brings together public and private organizations, international agencies, universities, foundations, teachers, families, and communities around a shared goal: ensuring that every child in Colombia learns to read and write at the appropriate stage of their development.

At Fundación Fraternidad Medellín, we are proud to become part of this network this year. This invitation represents a natural step along a path we have been pursuing for several years, working to improve the quality of education and strengthen early literacy programs in educational institutions across different subregions of Antioquia. We have seen firsthand how timely and effective reading instruction can transform children’s educational experiences, strengthen the work of teachers, and create new opportunities for communities.

Being part of Colombia se Escribe Leyendo means contributing our experience to a national movement that recognizes early literacy as a shared responsibility. It is an opportunity to learn alongside other organizations, contribute the knowledge gained through our work in local communities, and continue building partnerships that enable more children to discover the power of reading from an early age.

We believe this challenge must become a nationwide conversation. Early literacy is not solely the responsibility of schools; it is a cause that involves families, teachers, educational institutions, businesses, social organizations, and education authorities. When a child learns to read at the appropriate stage, they not only improve their academic performance—they expand their opportunities to participate, learn, dream, and build a better future. 

We are excited to be part of this network because we share the conviction that education has the power to transform lives. We will continue working so that more and more children in Antioquia and throughout Colombia can find in reading a tool to discover their potential and write, in their own words, the story they dream of for their lives.