Children of UIS faculty members and administrative staff enjoyed an afternoon of games, gifts, entertainment and family activities at the university’s softball field, in a celebration designed to bring the university community together.
Laughter, colorful costumes and excitement filled the softball field at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) during the university’s Children’s Day celebration. Children, nephews, nieces and grandchildren of faculty members and administrative staff enjoyed an afternoon specially organized for them, with recreational activities, games and opportunities to spend quality time with their families.
An Afternoon of Games, Surprises and Entertainment
Inflatable play structures became one of the main attractions, giving children the opportunity to jump, play and make new friends. Several activity stations were also set up, where they received candy and gifts. The celebration included refreshments and a variety of entertainment activities.
The main stage hosted lively performances featuring entertainers dressed as animals, including lions, giraffes and bears. Their appearances brought smiles, laughter and excitement to the young participants throughout the afternoon.
Beyond the games and surprises, the celebration provided an opportunity for university families to enjoy quality time together in a place that is part of their parents’ everyday working lives.
A Chance to Strengthen Family Bonds
Luis Alberto Suárez, a UIS staff member and father, highlighted the importance of these gatherings for both children and parents.
“It is a very special occasion, not only for the children but also for us as parents, because we get to spend time with our children. They also have the opportunity to interact with other kids, which contributes to their personal and emotional development,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the university for creating spaces where the children of faculty members and administrative staff feel included and recognized as part of the UIS community.
For Jorge Andrés Quitian Sanmiguel, another university staff member, the celebration offered a valuable opportunity to share with his loved ones in the place where he spends much of his working day.
“There are times when we spend even more time in our offices than at home. This is an opportunity to share this environment with our families, enjoy the university’s welcoming spaces and watch our children grow, something we do not always have the chance to do,” he explained.
Children Take Center Stage in the Celebration
For the young participants, the afternoon was filled with memorable experiences. Victoria Monroy Acuña, daughter of a UIS staff member, said she particularly enjoyed the inflatable attractions, puppet shows and all the candy. However, spending time with her father was what made the celebration especially meaningful.
“I love spending time with my dad because he works a lot. Whenever I come to UIS, he is the first person I look for. I spend the whole time with him. I have so much fun looking for candy, walking around the university and seeing how beautiful it is,” she shared.
Gabriela Ramírez Velandia, daughter of a university staff member, also highlighted the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities and discover different areas of the institution.
“I liked this activity because we had opportunities for recreation, got to know the different faculties at UIS and enjoyed the different games the university offered,” she said.
Through this celebration, UIS transformed Children’s Day into an opportunity for family connection, togetherness and recognition of the people who make up its university community. It was an afternoon in which the university welcomed its youngest guests, giving them the chance to play, explore and create lasting memories with their loved ones.
