WORLD BANK SUPPORTS THE COLEGIO DEL CUERPO

The Colegio del Cuerpo is a non-for-profit organization based in Cartagena de Indias. Since 1997, this institution has developed a teaching method based on Contemporary Dance, called “Complete Body Education.”

According to Martha Laverde, World Bank task manager for the project, “The aim of the Education with Dance program is to improve the quality of life for young people in Cartagena, by giving a major boost to the creation of opportunities that can break the vicious cycles of poverty arising from the lack of training and development options available to these populations.”

Through this project, the Colegio del Cuerpo expects to have a positive impact on both Cartagena’s and the national education system, by introducing body education, arts, humanities, culture, and ethics into the education system. Martha Laverde adds that by stimulating concentration, promoting recognition of creative ability, and improving teacher-student relationships, the method promotes dynamic environments characterized by respect, cooperation, and solidarity. This method also develops the individual and collective skills required to live in peace.

At the signing of the agreement las October, Miguel López, World Bank Representative in Colombia stated: "In the struggle against all forms of inequality, the Colegio del Cuerpo teaching method is a model. It has a positive impact on the living conditions of Cartagena's students and community, helping them to improve and develop areas such as their educational quality, peaceful coexistence, health, and artistic and cultural development." 

The project implemented by the Colegio del Cuerpo, led by choreographer Álvaro Restrepo, is expected to last four years and will serve approximately 3,600 children and teenagers in 65 schools in the city’s southern district.