The School of Education at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) officially launched PaidoFest 2026 under the theme, “Let’s Keep Transforming the World the Way Children Do“ The event brings together academic activities, artistic talent showcases, and children’s entrepreneurship initiatives.
During the opening ceremony, the university also inaugurated the Second Paidópolis Congress, themed “Where Every Idea Matters and Every Child Shines with Creativity“, along with Emprendópolis 2026, under the slogan “Imagine, Create, and Innovate“ Both initiatives aim to strengthen leadership, creativity, and innovation from early childhood.
The opening event brought together departmental and municipal education officials, school administrators, teachers, and families, who enjoyed performances featuring reading, singing, and dancing. The presentations highlighted the importance of children’s voices in building a better future.
Messages That Empower Children’s Leadership
UIS Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Olga Mercedes Álvarez Ojeda, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the university’s long-standing commitment to childhood education.
“For more than 22 years, Paidópolis has brought together the university, schools, and families to recognize children as active contributors to society. Through this initiative, children strengthen their cognitive, communication, social, ethical, and artistic skills while learning to ask questions, investigate, read, and lead. The project also builds a learning network that ensures children’s voices have a meaningful impact on families, schools, and society”.
Professor Cesar Augusto Roa from the UIS School of Education also highlighted the significance of listening to children.
“Children are the protagonists—they are the present. We need to listen to what they think, what they say, and how they respond. Adults are often too rigid, while children naturally think differently. PaidoFest is a beautiful experience that can help inspire transformation today”.
The ceremony also featured inspiring messages from Alejandro Cornejo, a Peruvian educator and communicator, and Tania Vega Flores, a Paidópolis graduate and artist involved in tourism projects in Egypt, who encouraged both children and parents attending the event at La Perla House.
Through PaidoFest, the university demonstrates how higher education institutions can become spaces where children discover, develop, and showcase their talents through academic, artistic, and entrepreneurial experiences. More than a festival, the initiative promotes a holistic educational model in which children lead their own learning, teachers strengthen innovative educational practices, and families become essential partners in the educational journey.
