Education is one of the most powerful tools against racism in Latin America

[Judi Lynn]

CARLOS FELIPE JARAMILLO|MARCH 23, 2022

I never get tired of saying it: skin color has no place in a just and inclusive society. But reality contradicts me. For 34 million children and adolescents in our region, being of African descent is synonymous with invisibility: not only are they forgotten and neglected; they are also actively discriminated against.

I am writing these thoughts on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, but it is a conversation that should be ongoing - in classrooms, homes, offices and hallways - until racial discrimination has actually been eradicated and we no longer need to establish dates on the calendar to remind us of its presence.

I emphasize the classroom because education is one of the most powerful tools against racism: it not only allows us to educate to eliminate the prejudices that motivate it; it also potentially equips future generations with the intellectual tools they need to break down the racial barriers and cycles of chronic poverty that affect a disproportionate number of Afro-descendants.

Unfortunately, Afro-descendants are among the groups who have most suffered from the effects of the crisis in education triggered by the pandemic, not only owing to the crisis itself, but also because of their condition of profound inequality when it occurred.

More:
https://blogs.worldbank.org/latinamerica/education-one-most-powerful-tools-against-racism-latin-america

[old as dirt]

1. Profesora Gerardina de Galindez, Municipio de Patia, Cauca

Gerardina Angulo y la Parábola del Amor

(Lola's mother, and my wife's teacher.)

[Judi Lynn]

2. My spanish is almost useless, unfortunately, but I found this article. Is this the same person?

This is the mangled, google translation of an article published in November, 2021:

TEACHER GERARDINA, TRIBUTE
well-deserved recognition

By: Jesus Arcos Solano

Through the Local Radio, I heard the news of the well-deserved and just tribute, which was given to MAESTRA GERARDINA ANGULO, in her native land Galíndez.

Nothing more timely than recognition in life, when the person, object of the distinction, realizes that during his pilgrimage, full of dignity, he carried out a task full of responsibility, honesty and neatness; qualities that reflect the imperishable mark that he leaves in his journey through teaching, where only pleasant memories remain.Posterity will always have her, as on a pedestal, that evokes an exemplary woman, who knew how to win, with kindness and affection, the affection of the Patian people and particularly of her students, faithful witnesses of her upright behavior and who will keep for always in his heart, the memory of his unforgettable MAESTRA GERARDINA. May God and the Blessed Virgin continue to preserve her de ella for many years to honor us with her presence de ella, and may abundant blessings come upon her!
She is a dynamic woman, a lover of progress, she is always seen, next to social works. Her support for her was fundamental for the founding of the exceptional group of the CANTAORAS DEL PATIA, a cast that has left the music of the Patian tradition very high in the places where they have performed.For its members, my voice of congratulations and may they continue to reap success. Their voices still resonate nationally. And here Gerardina's voice has been present, despite her age. I wish that MAESTRA GERARDINA, the Patiana Community, makes her feel a warm applause for her selfless dedication to her teaching de ella, full of love and kindness. May these words now be heard, throughout the confines of Galíndez, El Estrecho and Patía: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Very appropriate for the moment, what Fernando Plata once said: “It is therefore seen that spiritual and ethical qualities are the ones that contribute the most to longevity.The mind in peace, the generous heart, the selfless friendship, the soul without grudges, are in the case of MAESTRA GERARDINA, the causes of her joyful longevity”. THANK YOU.

Published
05/11/2021 - 08:10

https://diariodelcauca-com-co.translate.goog/opinion-opinion/merecido-reconocimiento?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

~ ~ ~

If it's the same person, she was clearly well-respected by many! She gave her life to educating people who needed her help.

I have seen the name "Cauca" in Colombian news from time to time, I believe the people living there have been troubled by the civil war.

Just found this short news video from a year ago concerning Cauca:

https://www.dw.com/en/colombias-cauca-region-sees-rise-in-violence/av-57102522

~ ~ ~

Thank you for the video material. It appears the lady had a lot of influence, and she was very bright and alert even when very, very old.

[old as dirt]

3. That's her!

Thanks. I hadn't seen that article. It's very recent. Given the date on the article, I'm guessing that it was for her 90th birthday.

Cauca is one of 26 departments of Colombia. I believe that it has more Indigenous folks than any other department in Colombia.

Mi Cauca - Carlos Alberto Rivas