In Ocaña, as in every corner of Colombia, education is the guiding light that leads hundreds of children and young people along the path to their future. Many of them come from the fertile yet often overlooked Catatumbo region. Aware that every classroom is a seedbed of dreams, the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), through the Socially Responsible Donations program, extended its reach to La Salle School, bringing with it a breath of hope: school furniture that, like solid foundations, strengthened learning spaces and reaffirmed the commitment to building brighter futures.
Nearly 3,000 students, including 30% from migrant populations and over 600 displaced from Catatumbo, benefited from the donation of desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and desks. This gesture not only met a basic need but also sent a powerful message: education is the key to a better future.
“Thank you so much for this incredible donation. The desks we had were deteriorated, and while we still need more, this represents a great relief. We want our children to know that education in Colombia is possible and that we can guarantee them dignified conditions for learning,” expressed Dora Astrid López Meneses, principal of La Salle School. She also called on higher education institutions and the government to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the social fabric in conflict-affected areas.
Students, dressed in impeccable uniforms and with contained smiles, eagerly observed each piece of furniture delivered. For many, receiving a desk meant more than just comfort—it was recognition of their efforts. “We feel very grateful and happy. These supplies are essential for us, especially in an institution like ours, which welcomes so many students from various regions, particularly from Catatumbo,” said Jaider Payares Parada, student council representative.
Alumni also shared their joy. Diego Andrés Rosero López, former student council president and current Chemical Engineering student at UIS, was one of the key figures behind the donation. “This event is wonderful because it transforms education and makes it more enjoyable. Thanks to this contribution, we are making academic life easier for these young people, reminding them that education has the power to change and improve lives,” he stated.
The donation event was filled with emotions and culture. The UIS Theater Group surprised the community with a vibrant performance, where art and reflection intertwined to remind everyone that education is not only found in books but also in the ability to imagine a different world.
With this initiative, UIS planted a new seed in the vast field of social transformation, nurturing it with the power of education. More than desks, it provided stepping stones for dreams and lights that illuminate paths of hope. A reminder that knowledge can be the bridge to a future where violence is merely a memory and not a destiny.
