For the second consecutive year, the Secretaría de Educación del Distrito de Bogotá and ACDI/VOCA have joined forces through an International Cooperation Agreement to address one of the most pressing challenges facing education systems today: the emotional well-being, mental health, and school retention of children and adolescents.
The implementation of this strategy in Bogotá, Colombia, is led by Fundación ACDI/VOCA Latinoamérica (FAVLA), a foundation supporting inclusive opportunities for all people in Latin America and the Caribbean. At the heart of this community-centered initiative is a vision to create environments where students and their families can thrive.
A Systemic approach to social and emotional well-being
The initiative is built around DecidoSer, an innovative methodology developed by ACDI/VOCA that focuses on strengthening core life skills as a pathway to resilience and success. DecidoSer integrates psychosocial support with educational strategies, addressing both the emotional and structural factors that influence school retention.
Rather than offering isolated interventions, the program works holistically, engaging students, families, educators, and communities in a coordinated effort to build stronger support systems.
The DecidoSer methodology
DecidoSer is grounded in the belief that emotional and social competencies are essential for long-term success. Through extensive research, ACDI/VOCA’s psychosocial experts identified 18 fundamental capabilities shared by successful individuals and teams.
Through the program, families work on these core capabilities, including trust, teamwork, effective communication, emotional management, self-observation, conflict transformation, and adaptability to change.
By strengthening these skills, the program equips individuals not only to stay in school but also navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Driving impact across Bogotá
So, far the initiative has directly impacted more than 990 families within 67 educational institutions, through a network of 24 family counseling centers. The families reside in 16 neighborhoods throughout the capital city of Bogotá.
The program aims to reach a total of more than 1,100 families at risk of school dropout and strengthen 146 groups of families across 70 educational institutions.
These efforts are not only helping prevent the exclusion of students but also creating new pathways for psychosocial and pedagogical support tailored to the unique realities of each school.
Empowering communities through inclusion and diversity
A defining feature of the initiative is its commitment to inclusivity. The strategy integrates approaches that address gender equity, cultural diversity, interculturality, and environmental sustainability.
By embedding these perspectives into program design and implementation, the initiative ensures that interventions are relevant to the diverse populations they serve.
Additionally, the creation of safe spaces for listening and collective care across 20 neighborhoods in Bogotá has strengthened community dialogue and participation. For example, the Palenquero Ethnic Hub has provided a space for celebrating cultural heritage while fostering inclusion by accommodating speakers of the Spanish-based creole language, Palenquero.
Sustainable change through local ownership
A critical component of the initiative is its focus on sustainability. Through capacity-building and methodological transfer processes, schools and local actors are empowered to take ownership of the program. This approach ensures that the benefits extend far beyond the duration of the agreement, becoming embedded within Bogotá’s education system and contributing to lasting institutional change.
Proven impact with global relevance
The effectiveness of DecidoSer is backed by evidence. A 2020 impact evaluation conducted by Deloitte found that, when applied in business contexts, the methodology generates a social return of $33 for every $1 invested.
This finding underscores the scalability and adaptability of the approach, positioning DecidoSer as a high-impact strategy that can be applied across sectors and geographies.
Looking ahead
As Bogotá continues to prioritize the well-being and educational success of its students, this partnership serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved. By strengthening family and community ties, promoting inclusion, and building essential life skills, the initiative is not only helping students stay in school; it is shaping a more resilient, equitable, and hopeful future for the city.
Learn more about Fundación ACDI/VOCA Latinoamérica (FAVLA).
Learn more about DecidoSer.
