Santiago de Cali, Colombia – A vibrant mural now graces the facade of the newly renovated ‘Pablo Neruda’ school, a symbol of renewal for the Antonio Nariño neighborhood in Cali’s Comuna 16. For decades, the school was known locally as “la Escuelita de Lata” – “the little tin school” – a nickname reflecting its dilapidated condition. But that’s changing, as the city invests in upgrading educational infrastructure and offering a brighter future for its students. The transformation of the Pablo Neruda school represents a significant step in the city’s broader effort to revitalize education in underserved communities.
The project, a collaboration between the Cali municipal government and the national Ministry of Education, has seen an investment of over $11 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $2.7 million USD) to construct a modern educational facility. The new ‘Pablo Neruda’ is a “megacolegio,” designed to accommodate 400 students in 16 new classrooms, including four specialized learning spaces. This represents a substantial increase in capacity and quality compared to the previous structure, which had been in need of intervention for over 30 years, according to Rosa Emilia Copete, the school’s coordinator.
From “Escuelita de Lata” to a Modern Learning Hub
The story of the Pablo Neruda school is one of long-awaited improvement. Residents like Doña Luz Mireya Daza, who has lived in the Antonio Nariño neighborhood for 45 years, remember a time when the school’s condition was a source of concern. “These were schools that had more than 30 years without intervention,” Copete explained. “The ‘Pablo Neruda,’ which they affectionately called ‘la Escuelita de Lata,’ was in conditions that saddened us. That’s why This represents a wonderful gift to Comuna 16.”
The mural itself embodies this spirit of renewal. It depicts a scene of children planting a garden surrounded by the region’s lush flora – coffee plants, sugarcane, and tropical vegetation – with the Farallones de Cali mountains and Cristo Rey statue forming a picturesque backdrop. The artwork, a visual representation of growth and hope, serves as a daily inspiration for students and a source of pride for the community.
A Larger Investment in Cali’s Educational Infrastructure
The revitalization of the Pablo Neruda school is part of a larger initiative by the Cali municipal government to improve educational facilities across the city. Currently, there are 78 active construction projects underway to enhance, adapt, and renovate schools, with five of those projects funded through the FFIE (Fondo de Financiamiento de la Infraestructura Educativa) agreement with the national government.
Just 900 meters away, at the main campus of the Institución Educativa Libardo Madrid Valderrama in the Unión de Vivienda Popular neighborhood, another significant project is underway. This phase of the renovation involves an investment of over $14 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $3.4 million USD) to construct two three-story buildings with 22 new classrooms and improve seven existing ones. The goal is to accommodate 1,100 students in the Comuna 16 area, providing access to complete secondary education.
Community Impact and Long-Term Vision
The impact of these improvements extends beyond the physical structures. Víctor Hugo Oviedo, a resident of the Unión de Vivienda Popular neighborhood for 50 years, recalls a time when overcrowding was a major issue. “I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 50 years. The memory is that there used to be a lot of disorder in these schools… Many children were left without spaces because they were extremely small and there were not enough classrooms, but that will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Cali’s Secretary of Education, Sara Rodas, emphasized the broader vision behind these investments. “When our mayor, Alejandro Eder, talks about recovering Cali, he talks about how we are recovering these spaces so that our children and young people, and their families, feel safe, feel welcomed within these spaces designed for education,” she stated. The city anticipates delivering seven renovated school facilities throughout the year.
The new Pablo Neruda school is currently 93% complete and is expected to open its doors to students in the first quarter of 2026. The ongoing work at the Libardo Madrid Valderrama main campus is 60% complete. These projects represent a tangible commitment to improving educational opportunities for the children of Comuna 16 and a broader effort to revitalize Cali’s public school system. Residents can find updates on the city’s educational initiatives on the official Cali government website.
As the city continues to invest in its schools, the transformation of “la Escuelita de Lata” serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change and the importance of providing a quality education for all.
Heinar Ortiz Cortés
Oficina de Comunicaciones
Alcaldía de Cali
