Community Play Library-Transform Children's Lives

The renovation of the space designated for the “Ludoteca” (Community Play Library) at the Manuel Santa Coloma School, located in Commune 1 of Quibdó, was recently completed. The neighborhood around the “Ludoteca” is characterized by high levels of social vulnerability, exposure to violence, and the presence of illegal armed groups, making this intervention especially significant as a community-based strategy for social protection and prevention.

The work carried out included the complete renovation of two classrooms and restrooms, ensuring safe, functional, and dignified conditions for the children who will benefit from the center. This progress marks a milestone in the project, as it provides a fully operational physical space adapted to the program's pedagogical, recreational, and psychosocial requirements.

The official opening of the “Ludoteca” took place on October 29, 2025, with the active participation of students, teachers, families, and institutional partners. The space is fully equipped with technological, educational, artistic, sports, and cultural materials, as well as furniture, all carefully selected to guarantee a comprehensive learning and recreational experience. The “Ludoteca” offers resources that allow children to develop cognitive, creative, and social skills, foster teamwork and artistic expression, and promote healthy lifestyle habits through sports and physical activity. In addition, innovative tools and materials have been incorporated to facilitate access to educational and cultural content, ensuring that every child can use the space in a safe and enriching way, strengthening their development within a protective and stimulating environment. Furthermore, a cross-cutting psychosocial component will be implemented to strengthen life skills, promote positive school relationships, and encourage respectful parenting, actively involving families in the educational processes.

This achievement was made possible through inter-institutional collaboration and the generosity and hard work of various partners including:  GlobalGiving donors, Minera Cobre (a privately-owned mining company that operates in the region), Papeles Primavera (in-kind donation), and the Manuel Santa Coloma School, which contributed financial, material, and logistical resources. This synergy demonstrates a model of effective cooperation between the private sector, international donors, and the local educational community, having a direct impact on improving learning conditions and children's well-being. In terms of sustainability, the playroom will be managed by the school, with technical and pedagogical support from the Corporación El Minuto de Dios, ensuring the continuity of activities and community ownership of the space.

This is our 2^nd quarterly report for the Community Play Library (“Ludoteca”) in Quibdó, Colombia.  The project is led by the Corporación Organización El Minuto de Dios.

The necessary administrative procedures were completed for reconstruction of the classrooms to be used for the project at the Colegio Santa Coloma.  An agreement was formalized in which the Colegio Santa Coloma committed to financing the renovations.  With the receipt of the funds, the call for tenders for the hiring of labor and the selection of material suppliers began.

The social worker in charge of the Minuto de Dios Play Library in Istmina, another municipality in the department of Chocó, held several coordination meetings with key stakeholders of the project in Quibdó.  First, she met with the principal and teaching staff of the Colegio Santa Coloma to transfer the methodology that will guide the management of the play library. At the meeting, a detailed explanation was presented of the components of the play library's operation:  promotion of sports, psychosocial support and family strengthening, cultural and artistic promotion, nutritional recovery, and environmental responsibility. Each of these components was adapted to the specific characteristics of the institution and the community, ensuring alignment with local needs.

During the meeting, the model of the Play Libraries was presented in detail, highlighting the principles and criteria that will guide the design and development of the activities.   Special emphasis was placed on creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment that fosters the comprehensive development of children and adolescents, allowing them to participate in activities that promote their personal, social, and educational growth.

At the same time, a process of outreach was carried out with the direct beneficiaries of the project, i.e., the school's children, to identify their expectations, concerns, and needs. This outreach process is essential to tailor the activities and to ensure that the space fosters their active participation, emotional development, and integration into the educational process of the play library.  Furthermore, a detailed plan was established for the material and logistical resources necessary, including the acquisition of furniture, teaching materials, and supplies. These elements will be procured once the construction work is completed, ensuring that the space is fully functional and suitable for the planned activities.  

• Ludoteca - complete report in Spanish with photos (DOCX)