Sesión 9. La ciudad educadora: sentidos, agentes, acciones

Cátedra Colombiana: Ciudadanía, Integridad y Lucha Contra la Corrupción

The discussion focuses on the challenges of building an educational city, exploring the meanings, agents involved, and actions required for its realization.

Introduction to the Topic

• The session delves into the concept of an educational city, examining its implications and the key players contributing to its development.

Guest Introductions and Format

• Three distinguished guests - Professors Juní Montoya, Alexandra Agudelo, and Freddy Patiño - will share their insights on the topic.

• Each guest will have 25 minutes for their presentation followed by a dialogue among themselves and with the audience through Facebook and YouTube.

Professor Freddy Patiño's Background

• Professor Freddy Patiño holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Palermo, Argentina. He is actively involved in ethical education initiatives and has contributed significantly to various publications in humanities education.

Exploring the Concept of an Educational City

Professor Freddy Patiño elaborates on the notion of an educational city, dissecting its components and historical evolution.

Understanding a City as an Educational Space

• The term "educational city" traces back to Faure's 1972 report, conceptualizing cities as formative spaces encompassing formal, non-formal, and informal education activities.

Components of Education within a City

• Education within a city comprises formal (institutionalized), non-formal (continuous learning without certification), and informal (daily interactions shaping learning) aspects.

Evolution of Educational Cities

New Section

In this section, the concept of an educational city is discussed in the context of multicultural urban environments.

Defining a City as Educator

• The idea of a city as an educator revolves around creating social conditions that foster a good life for citizens in multicultural urban settings.

Importance of Multicultural Recognition

• Recognizing multiculturalism is crucial for cities and citizens to develop strategies that promote intercultural recognition and mutual respect among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Cultural Transformations in Cities

• Actions aimed at improving quality of life through cultural transformations are essential. Examples like Antanas Mockus' cultural initiatives in Bogotá demonstrate the impact of such efforts on creating a more harmonious urban environment.

Exploring Educational Functions of Cities

This part delves into how cities can fulfill educational roles through citizen interactions and behaviors.

Citizen Roles in Urban Education

• Shifting from macro-level policies to individual behaviors, there is a call for co-educational practices among citizens within their respective roles in urban life.

Creating Friendly Spaces

• Establishing safe and welcoming spaces for people of all ages, including children, youth, adults, and seniors, is vital for fostering community engagement and learning.

Innovative Learning Initiatives

• Initiatives like human libraries serve as platforms for dialogue and knowledge-sharing among citizens, promoting collaborative learning experiences within communities.

Promoting Urban Well-being

The discussion focuses on the concept of friendly urban planning to enhance community well-being.

Urban Design for Community Engagement

• Emphasizing the importance of "friendly urbanism," which encourages community participation by creating inviting spaces that facilitate social interaction and connectivity.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the future implications of current city development projects and their impact on public health and well-being.

Future City Development Concerns

• The speaker highlights the prevalence of housing projects in various cities that may lead to overcrowding in the future.

• There is a concern about the potential health and mental health challenges that could arise from densely populated cities during a pandemic.

• Emphasis is placed on creating cities that prioritize access to public spaces for sports, cultural activities, education, health, and safe social interactions.

New Section

This part delves into lifelong learning initiatives and educational programs for senior citizens within city structures.

Lifelong Learning Initiatives

• Discussion on the concept of lifelong learning and its importance for individuals at all stages of life.

• Introduction to educational programs tailored for senior citizens, such as "university for the third age," focusing on socialization and cognitive engagement.

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The speaker explores the role of institutions in providing spaces for socialization and practical learning opportunities for senior citizens.

Educational Role of Institutions

• Institutions are urged to rethink their role beyond granting degrees by becoming hubs for social interaction and practical knowledge sharing among older adults.

• Collaboration between local governments, communities, private sectors, educational institutions, police, and other organizations is essential to create effective educational environments within cities.

New Section

This segment emphasizes the collaborative efforts required from various societal actors to fulfill the educational function of a city effectively.

Collaborative Efforts in Education

• Highlighting the need for coordinated actions involving families, educational institutions, local communities, commercial sectors, police forces, among others.

• Advocacy for early exposure of children to public spaces to instill a sense of ownership towards communal resources funded by taxpayers.

New Section

The discussion shifts towards fostering a collective responsibility towards public resources through early education initiatives.

Fostering Public Ownership

• Encouraging a redefined understanding of public resources starting from childhood to nurture a sense of shared responsibility among citizens.

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In this section, the speaker discusses the shift from focusing solely on content to defining essential learnings within educational institutions. The concept of an open school belonging to communities is introduced.

Prioritizing Essential Learnings

• Emphasizes moving away from an obsession with content towards identifying fundamental learnings crucial within educational settings.

• Proposes the idea of an open school that remains accessible to communities 24/7, serving as spaces for socialization and informal learning beyond formal education hours.

• Advocates for schools to extend their reach beyond physical boundaries, engaging in collaborative actions with local communities to address shared challenges and contribute collectively.

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This segment delves into the necessity of fostering coeducation practices and establishing effective links between educational institutions and local communities through adequate funding strategies.

Fostering Coeducation and Community Engagement

• Stresses the importance of coeducation practices involving both educational institutions and local communities for meaningful partnerships.

• Highlights the significance of a financing strategy involving resources from both public and private sectors to support educational initiatives effectively.

New Section

Here, the discussion revolves around the concept of an educative city, emphasizing key elements such as equity, inclusive citizenship, sustainability, and peace education.

Building an Educative City

• Explores how an educative city integrates principles like equity, inclusive citizenship, cohesion, sustainability, and peace education into its fabric for transformative impact across all age groups.

• Connects the notion of an educative city with promoting educational actions that benefit citizens from diverse backgrounds and roles within society.

New Section

This part focuses on enhancing access to various cultural and recreational facilities within cities to promote inclusivity and community well-being.

Enhancing Access in Cities

• Discusses the importance of ensuring access to cultural venues like theaters, cinemas, libraries with diverse offerings for all age groups in urban areas.

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In this section, the speaker discusses an educational scenario in Buenos Aires that celebrates cultural diversity through various festivities.

Buenos Aires Celebrations

• Buenos Aires Celebra is a strategy by the government of Buenos Aires that recognizes over 50 different cultural communities in the city.

• The celebrations involve showcasing cultural displays from various countries throughout the year at a central location in the city.

• The initiative aims to identify, promote understanding of, and facilitate interactions between diverse cultures coexisting in Buenos Aires.

Exploring Intercultural Encounters

This part delves into the significance of intercultural encounters within urban settings like Buenos Aires.

Importance of Intercultural Encounters

• Events like "Buenos Aires Celebra" foster intercultural exchanges on days such as Independence Day for different nationalities residing in the city.

• With over 50 cultural groups participating, these events provide opportunities for locals to engage with and appreciate diverse cultures present in their daily lives.

Educational Perspectives on Cultural Diversity

The conversation shifts towards how cities can leverage interculturality for educational and cultural development.

Educational Implications

• Interactions with diverse cultures are crucial for educational and cultural growth within urban environments.

• Introduction of Professor Alexandra Gudel, highlighting her academic background and expertise in social sciences related to education and youth studies.

Medellín's Educational Initiatives

Professor Alexandra introduces an ongoing educational project focused on transforming Medellín into a learning city.

Medellín's Educational Project

• Collaboration among universities, governmental bodies, and public-private entities to establish Medellín as a learning city aiming to enhance culture transformation and address societal challenges.

Detailed Overview of the Transcript

The speaker discusses the importance of education and learning in cities, particularly focusing on Medellín's transformation into a special district for science, technology, and innovation.

Importance of Education in Urban Settings

• Cities play a crucial role in education and should be viewed not just for their complexity but also for their potential as educational hubs.

• Medellín was recognized as a city of learning in 2020, signifying a shift towards emphasizing education within urban development.

Shaping City Identity through Education

• Cities create myths that shape culture and memory, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with urban spaces.

• Recognitions like being labeled a city of learning serve as motivation to build upon achievements rather than mere acknowledgments of past efforts.

Transformation Challenges in Medellín

• Transitioning from violence to hope or fear to peace is not a simple shift but involves navigating complexities within individual and collective identities.

• The city's characterization involves both positive and negative aspects, highlighting the need for holistic transformations beyond surface changes.

Legislative Changes for Educational Innovation

• In 2023, Medellín was designated as a special district for science, technology, and innovation through Law 2286, reflecting a rapid legislative process driven by various stakeholders.

• Lobbying efforts by businesses, political sectors, and other actors underscored the economic transformation agenda associated with this legislative change.

Educational Governance Strategies

• Law 2286 prompted the establishment of a consultative council comprising educational representatives to guide Medellín's educational transition towards innovation.

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In this section, the speaker discusses the actions needed for Medellín to transform into an educational city, focusing on key areas identified through a prospective exercise.

Actions for Transforming Medellín into an Educational City

• Five key areas identified for leveraging transformation efforts:

• Collaboration between University of Antioquia, itm, Secretaría de Educación de Medellín, and Universidad Católica Luis Amigó.

• Proposal highlights five crucial aspects for Medellín to become an educational city:

• Thinking education in a global-local perspective.

• Emphasizing the importance of local and global perspectives in transforming education:

• Noting international experiences in science, technology, and innovation districts.

• Stressing the continuous relationship between education, government, industry, and society:

• Viewing education as a fundamental right with opportunities for growth and recognition.

• Significance of mobility experiences like internships and academic exchanges:

• Enhancing academic tourism and research opportunities.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of lifelong learning and academic processes in Medellín.

Lifelong Learning and Academic Processes

• The speaker emphasizes that education and academia are continuous processes throughout life.

• There is a focus on ensuring that individuals can engage in learning experiences from early stages to whenever they desire.

New Section

This part delves into the transformation of academic events in Medellín towards more enriching educational experiences.

Transformation of Academic Events

• Shift from large-scale academic events as mere spectacles to opportunities for personal growth and future-oriented learning.

• Emphasis on pre-event educational processes with diverse diploma courses offered internationally, nationally, and locally.

New Section

In this section, the speaker expresses gratitude for a beautiful presentation on efforts in Medellín to build an educational city. The focus is on the purpose beyond science, technology, and innovation towards becoming a true educational project.

Efforts in Medellín for an Educational City

• The speaker acknowledges the concrete efforts in Medellín to construct an educational city under the influence of laws related to science, technology, and innovation. There is a clear intention to go beyond these areas and transform into a comprehensive educational project.

• Mention of the importance of experiences like trans-bachelor's degrees and institutional biographies in shaping dialogues that define pathways for lifelong education across various settings. This approach aims to create spaces necessary for continuous learning throughout life.

City as an Educator

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of a city as an educator and highlights the role of cities in educating their citizens through various means.

City as a Protagonist

• The concept of a "City as an Educator" emphasizes viewing the city itself as a protagonist in educating its citizens.

• Cities have the capacity to educate citizens comprehensively throughout their lives via explicit public policies or educational intentions embedded in various interactions within the urban environment.

Actions for Education in Cities

• Various actions can be undertaken to promote education within cities, such as community education programs, workshops, conferences, cultural activities, art classes, sports activities, and utilizing public spaces as learning centers.

• Initiatives like literacy programs, establishing public libraries, organizing reading clubs, raising awareness about literacy through campaigns, promoting citizen participation and participatory democracy are crucial for educating citizens on democratic processes and empowering them to contribute to community development.

Cultural Diversity and Social Inclusion

• Programs focusing on sustainable development and environmental issues play a vital role in educating citizens about conserving natural resources and reducing ecological footprints.

• Celebrating cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue fosters understanding and tolerance among different ethnic, religious, and social groups within a city.

Role of Museums in Education

This part delves into the significance of museums as powerful tools for education within cities. The speaker explores how museums serve educational purposes through diverse approaches.

Educational Potential of Museums

• Museums serve as potent educational tools with varying degrees of educational intent; some museums are explicitly designed with educational purposes.

• Museums like those dedicated to memory not only aim to educate but also focus on specific content areas such as historical events to raise awareness and instill consciousness among citizens towards non-repetition.

Museums' Educational Projects

• Museums like centers for memory, peace, and reconciliation go beyond showcasing artifacts by aiming to educate citizens on specific commitments like non-repetition.

Educational Role of Museums

In this section, the speaker discusses the educational role of museums and how they contribute to learning beyond just displaying artifacts.

Museums as Educational Institutions

• Museums not only showcase but also specialize in museum education, formulating educational projects within the museum setting.

• Some museums focus on education itself, celebrating pedagogical history to educate citizens about the value of educational practices and projects.

Balancing Education and Entertainment

• There is a concern about the fine line between education and entertainment in museums and other educational institutions.

• An example is shared about a museum exhibition featuring Pikachu that became overwhelmingly popular, raising questions about the balance between attracting visitors and fulfilling educational goals.

Selfies and Memes in Museums

• The prevalence of selfie spots in museums raises questions about whether visitors engage with art or simply seek entertainment through social media.

Preoccupation with City Message

In this section, the speaker expresses concern about the message conveyed by the city's design and infrastructure, highlighting how certain elements exclude people rather than promoting safety.

Concerns About Urban Design

• The speaker finds it concerning how the city's message is associated with security but also includes elements like spikes under a bridge that deter people from passing through.

• There is a discussion on how urban design can create spaces where certain individuals feel unwelcome, perpetuating the idea that the city is not for everyone.

Inclusivity in Urban Spaces

This part delves into the concept of inclusivity in urban spaces and how urban planning can either foster or hinder a sense of belonging for all individuals.

Urban Exclusion

• Urbanism plays a role in constructing a hostile environment that suggests the city is not meant for everyone, contributing to exclusionary practices.

• Despite challenges such as homelessness, there is an emphasis on treating every individual with dignity and respect within urban settings.

City as an Educator

The focus shifts towards viewing the city as an educational entity that influences citizens both through intentional policies and individual interactions within the urban environment.

Educational Role of Cities

• Cities serve as educators not only through explicit educational policies but also through citizens' appropriation of urban spaces for learning and development.

• Examples like community initiatives in Zaragoza demonstrate how collective actions can transform urban spaces into educational environments beyond traditional institutions.

Empowering Citizens Through Urban Engagement

This segment explores community engagement strategies that empower residents to actively participate in shaping their neighborhoods and fostering social cohesion.

Community Empowerment

• Initiatives like "crochet social" engage communities in identifying issues, proposing solutions, and collectively improving their neighborhood, promoting self-development among residents.

• The notion that cities are books to be read with one's feet encapsulates the idea of citizen-driven initiatives contributing to creating an educative city environment.

Role of Institutions in Fostering Educational Cities

Discussing institutional roles in cultivating educational cities, speakers address gaps in public awareness regarding cultural transformation plans and call for enhanced communication strategies.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Institutions play a crucial role in advancing educational cities by implementing programs, enhancing visibility, and fostering public engagement through effective communication strategies.

Discussion on Citizen Engagement and Cultural Policies

The conversation delves into citizen engagement regarding cultural policies in Bogotá and Medellín, exploring the challenges of awareness, political will, and communication in fostering a culture of civic participation.

Understanding Citizen Awareness and Engagement

• Citizens express concerns about their lack of awareness regarding cultural policies.

• Discussion on the historical context of cultural policies in Bogotá and the need for improved visibility and communication.

• Lack of political will, communication gaps, and invisibility hinder effective citizen engagement with cultural initiatives.

Evolution of Cultural Awareness

• Historical perspective on citizen awareness shifts due to increased media accessibility like TikTok and Twitter.

• Reflection on past cultural phenomena like "tarjeticas" and mimes that were widely known across Colombia.

Cultural Influence in Medellín

The dialogue transitions to discussing the unique cultural dynamics in Medellín, emphasizing a distinctive regional identity that influences civic engagement and social cohesion.

Cultural Adherence in Medellín

• Mention of a "cultural glue" present in Medellín that fosters regionalism, ego expression, and societal cohesion.

• Exploration of how Medellín's historical narrative shapes its residents' perceptions of resilience and entrepreneurship.

Impact of Regional Identity

• Analysis linking regional identity to both positive (resilience) and negative (narcotrafficking) outcomes within Medellín's culture.

• Discussion on how cultural characteristics influence societal behaviors around institutions like the metro system.

Medellín as an Educational Hub

The focus shifts towards Medellín's role as an educational center, examining how cultural narratives impact educational initiatives and public governance strategies.

Educational Initiatives in Medellín

• Positive experiences tied to educational campaigns aligning diverse public interests towards a common goal.

• Paradoxical observation that emphasizing uniqueness enhances community engagement with educational programs.

Governance Strategies for Civic Participation

• Successes in promoting a city-wide learning culture under new governance contrasted with previous administrative challenges.

Detailed Discussion on City Transformation and Education

In this section, the speaker discusses the transformation of cities like Medellín through processes such as establishing government departments for education, youth, and tourism. The historical struggles and achievements in these areas are highlighted.

Prioritizing City Development

• Establishing key government departments like tourism, youth, and culture in Medellín has been a significant but delayed achievement.

• Acknowledging the complexities behind city development is crucial to avoid oversimplification of successes in cities like Medellín.

Pride in City Identity

• Exploring the pride of being part of a city like Medellín compared to other places where city pride may be lacking.

• Discussing the educational aspect of fostering pride in one's city as a means to create engaged citizens.

Nationalism and City Pride

• Reflecting on the negative connotations of feeling proud of one's city based on opposition to others.

• Questioning the educational value, scope, and risks associated with instilling city or national pride.

Challenges in Promoting Cultural Values

This segment delves into challenges related to cultural values within cities, focusing on issues such as respect for pedestrian crossings (cebras), nationalism's dual nature, and fostering positive behaviors.

Cultural Challenges

• Highlighting the decline in respecting pedestrian crossings post-campaign launch, emphasizing deeper societal issues beyond surface observations.

• Exploring how nationalism can lead to both positive sentiments and negative consequences within communities.

Positive vs. Negative Elements

• Examining how feeling proud of one's city can have negative implications when rooted in opposition rather than intrinsic value.

• Considering the educational role of promoting civic pride while acknowledging potential drawbacks associated with nationalism.

Integration Challenges for Migrant Communities

Addressing integration challenges faced by migrant communities entering urban spaces from diverse cultural backgrounds. The focus is on facilitating their inclusion without erasing their unique identities.

Supporting Migrant Integration

• Discussing strategies for supporting migrant communities' integration into urban settings without compromising their cultural distinctiveness.

Identifying and Recognizing Communities in Cities

In this section, the speakers discuss the importance of identifying and recognizing different communities within cities to promote intercultural actions.

Identifying Communities

• Emphasize the need for regular identification exercises to recognize new communities entering the city.

• Highlight the significance of educational actions focusing on interculturality rather than segregation.

Challenges in Recognition

• Address the issue of rejection towards indigenous communities in Bogotá and lack of dialogue or recognition from the city.

• Discuss complexities in accommodating newcomers due to limitations in housing and infrastructure.

Challenges of Urban Integration and Rights

This part delves into the challenges faced in urban integration, rights to the city, and accommodating diverse populations.

Urban Integration Dilemma

• Explore limitations in urban infrastructure to accommodate displaced populations and migrants effectively.

• Discuss resistance towards accommodating newcomers due to existing population density issues.

Rights to the City

• Reflect on public policies' role in integrating diverse populations while upholding everyone's right to inhabit the city.

• Stress the importance of dialogues between existing residents and newcomers for effective urban integration.

Cultural Education for Inclusive Cities

The conversation shifts towards cultural education as a key element for fostering inclusive cities.

Importance of Cultural Education

• Emphasize educating individuals on diverse cosmovisions to enhance inclusivity within cities.

• Critique societal perceptions that hinder inclusive policies by highlighting misunderstandings about citizenship among different groups.

Promoting Inclusivity

Desafíos en la Transformación de Hábitos y Educación

In this section, the speakers discuss the challenges in transforming habits and education, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset towards long-term educational strategies rather than short-term campaigns.

Prioritizing Transformation of Habits

• Criticizing is easy, but proposing solutions is more challenging; transformation of habits through education is crucial.

• Habit transformation requires a programmatic approach over time, focusing on long-term impact rather than immediate reactions.

Long-Term Educational Strategies

• Distinguishing between educational programs and informational campaigns is essential for sustainable change.

• Immediate communication and reactive actions do not lead to long-term transformations; emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts.

Capitalizing on Local Initiatives

• Emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on local initiatives and leveraging educational institutions to integrate community ideas into pedagogical approaches.