Education for progress: driving capacity building in resettled communities

April 3, 2025. Education is a fundamental pillar for the development and sustainability of any community, which is why Cerrejón has prioritized education during the resettlement and post-resettlement stages. Through two initiatives implemented since 2011, the company has sought to provide educational opportunities for the inhabitants of resettled communitieswhile also improving the employment opportunities that may be achieved through education, enabling communities to actively enhance their well-being and economic stability. 

The Academic Reinforcement Program, implemented in partnership with the Socya Foundation, has benefited over 400 children by providing additional classes in English and Mathematics, as well as artistic subjects such as theater, dance, art and ethno-education for children aged from 7 to 17 years. This program aims to reduce school absenteeism and improve educational quality, enabling students to be better prepared for their academic and professional futures. 

For youth in grades 10 and 11, Cerrejón has implemented a vocational guidance program that helps them choose a career and university, providing psychological support to help them adapt to university life. This program has already benefited numerous students, approximately between 15-20 young people per year, helping them successfully transition to higher education, achieving satisfactory results in the first three semesters of university, reducing the rate of course changes and dropouts.

The Cerrejon Higher Education Support Program enables access to technical, university and graduate education through scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees with monthly stipends during the academic semester. Over 600 people have benefited from this program, which has played a crucial role in opening new opportunities for the youth in resettled communities. 

“Among the many benefits that could be obtained was that the native people of this community could access higher education without any restrictions. You simply needed the dreams, the desire, and Cerrejón would fulfill the other part. This is how today, thanks to Cerrejón, my dream came true. A dream that I always had, to be a doctor and put myself at the service of my community” Luis López, member of the Patilla community and doctor at the Hospital of the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira, Colombia.