Kalapa was founded in 2014 by a group of women who, with a strong sense of possibility and a touch of naivety, wanted to change the world. Based on their life experiences, professional backgrounds, journeys as mothers, and their vision for society and the planet, they believed that the way we, as human beings, were inhabiting the Earth and relating to one another needed to change.
We felt that the mental health crisis, the lack of purpose, and the environmental and political crises were urgent issues that needed to be addressed. And we believed the best way to approach them was through meaningful education.
Kalapa is a learning community located on the outskirts of Bogotá, Colombia. Every day, we create meaningful learning experiences for children and youth between the ages of 4 and 18.
Our educational approach is rooted in four core promises, which serve as the foundation of our skills-based curriculum: being lifelong learners, reaching one’s full potential, building healthy and meaningful relationships, and putting knowledge in service of a better world.
During a typical school week, students engage in a variety of learning spaces, such as mountain days, project time, artistic exploration, physical development activities, and creative reading and writing sessions, among others.
They also participate in service and community spaces such as the Community Meeting, the Conflict Solving Circle, and Community Day.
Finally, mindfulness practices are woven throughout all learning experiences.
We've been growing at a very controled pace. What started with 6 children now involves 130 children and yooung people and their families. Other way in which we've grown is sharing our knowledge and creating learning communities with othe schools and educational projects.
Kalapa’s greatest innovation has been the creation of a holistic education model. This pedagogical model has evolved through different versions, enriched by lived experience and continuously adapted to the changes we have undergone as a society in recent years.
We believe that this model must remain in constant reflection and evolution, recognizing that the educational process itself is a living, dynamic journey.
There are several ways to get to know and experience Kalapa. Today, you can visit our campus and take part in a volunteer or internship experience. You can also apply for a role as a mentor or facilitator.
Another way is by joining the community as a family—if you have children, you can come and live the Kalapa experience for at least one year.
