More than 250 early education teachers from Cali gathered in the south of the city to participate in the 2K Picnic Walk.
This activity, organized by the Enrédate network of teachers, aims to make clear the importance of protecting the rights of girls and boys.
With banners and speeches, participants demonstrated the need to promote responsible practices among adults to guarantee the safety, health and life of minors.
María Andrea Salamanca, from the Ministry of Education, indicated that the walk is also a space for reflection on reported cases of sexual abuse of children, inviting the public to participate in prevention.
The number of complaints about crimes against minors increases
The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, ICBF, showed an 8% increase in complaints about crimes against children and adolescents in 2024.
To date, 78,124 cases have been recorded, compared to 71,851 reported in 2023.
Carolina Córdoba Piedrahita, a teacher at an educational institution in the city, explained that Enrédate organizes training and wellness activities for teachers.
These actions strengthen political advocacy and promote comprehensive care for early childhood, aligned with the state policy From Zero to Always.
Songs and messages that encourage
During the walk, the participants sang songs with messages such as “Our girls reject violence, not heartbreak” and phrases that promoted the independence of minors.
Leonardo Paredes, head of Initial Education, showed that the district institutions work together with the Enrédate network to provide comprehensive care for the city’s children.
In addition, institutions such as the Vallecaucana Education Commission and local universities joined the walk, reinforcing the commitment to the protection of children.
Call the community
The 2K Picnic Walk was consolidated as a space that promotes collective work to guarantee children’s rights.
The organizers invited citizens to take an active part in the protection of minors, understanding that it is a shared responsibility.
Opinions
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Early Childhood Education
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Laura Mendoza, a prominent expert in early childhood education and child rights advocacy. She’s here to discuss a significant event that took place recently in Cali, where over 250 early education teachers participated in the 2K Picnic Walk. Dr. Mendoza, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this important topic.
Editor: The 2K Picnic Walk organized by the Enrédate network of teachers seems to have garnered quite a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about the motivation behind this event?
Dr. Mendoza: Absolutely! The walk was primarily aimed at raising awareness about the rights of children and the urgent need for their protection. With cases of sexual abuse against minors unfortunately on the rise, events like these serve as critical platforms for educators and the community to unite and advocate for safer environments for our children.
Editor: That’s a powerful message. I understand that María Andrea Salamanca from the Ministry of Education emphasized the walk as a point of reflection. In your opinion, how important are events like this for fostering community engagement and awareness?
Dr. Mendoza: They’re incredibly important! Events like the Picnic Walk not only educate attendees but also encourage communal responsibility. When educators, parents, and the public come together, it strengthens the advocacy for children’s rights, ensuring that everyone is aware of their role in protecting the youth. Moreover, such gatherings often lead to meaningful conversations about prevention strategies.
Editor: It sounds like collective efforts are crucial in this advocacy. Can you elaborate on what specific actions individuals can take to ensure the safety and well-being of children?
Dr. Mendoza: Certainly! First and foremost, it begins with education. Adults must be informed about the signs of abuse, how to report it, and most importantly, how to create safe spaces for children to express their concerns. Workshops and community outreach programs are vital. Additionally, adults need to model healthy behaviors and communicate effectively with children, empowering them to speak up if something feels wrong.
Editor: Those are insightful points. How can early educators further their impact within their classrooms and communities to promote these values?
Dr. Mendoza: Early educators play a vital role as they are often the first line of support for children. By integrating lessons about body safety, consent, and emotional well-being into their curricula, educators can build a foundation of trust. Being approachable and nurturing an open dialogue about feelings and experiences encourages children to share any worries they may have. Furthermore, teachers can collaborate with parents, ensuring they understand and share these critical lessons with their children at home.
Editor: It’s inspiring to see that proactive measures can be taken. What outcome do you hope to see as a result of awareness campaigns like the walk?
Dr. Mendoza: My hope is for a systemic change where all adults recognize their responsibility towards protecting children. I would love to see a community that prioritizes child safety, where policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding minors, and where every child feels loved, valued, and secure in their environment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for your valuable insights today! It’s clear that protecting children’s rights requires a community effort. We hope events like the 2K Picnic Walk continue to inspire action and foster change.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for shining a light on this crucial issue!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Let’s keep advocating for the safety and rights of our children, because every child deserves a safe space to thrive. Until next time!