The Humanist Seeds Project is an educational and social initiative led by the Bogotá Corporation for the Advancement of Reason and Secularism. Its central objective is to foster a cultural transformation in Colombia through the promotion of secular, humanist, and democratic values—starting within the public education system.

We believe that by cultivating critical thinking, respect for human rights, and freedom of conscience among younger generations, we can contribute to the construction of a more inclusive, pluralistic, and enlightened society. This program is designed as a scalable seed model—small in its initial implementation but with the potential for nationwide replication and sustained impact over time.

Strategic Objectives

● To promote critical thinking and scientific literacy among students and educators.

● To strengthen the presence of secular humanist values in educational content and practices.

● To ensure compliance with Colombiaʼs constitutional principles of religious freedom and state secularism in public schools.

● To empower educators, students, and families with knowledge of their rights and legal tools for their defense.

● To develop educational resources that are replicable, pedagogically sound, and culturally contextualized.

Program Structure

The project consists of three key components, each reinforcing the others and aligned with both national legislation and international human rights standards.

Humanism" Component - This component centers on the development and nationwide distribution of a short, illustrated educational book aimed at introducing students to the life, work, and ideas of Carl Sagan—a leading voice in scientific outreach and secular humanism.

Key Features of the Material:

● Designed for use in middle and high school classrooms

● Combines biography, scientific concepts, and philosophical reflections

● Includes reading comprehension exercises aligned with the ICFES Critical Reading framework

● Accompanied by a teacherʼs guide to facilitate classroom implementation

Purpose:

To promote scientific curiosity, critical thought, and humanist ethics through accessible, culturally relevant content.

Distribution Plan:

The book will be printed and distributed through partnerships with public school educators in strategically selected municipalities. Teacher training sessions will be held to ensure the material's effective integration into lesson plans.

Component 2 - Educational Tools for Secularism and Human Rights

This component responds to the 2024 Constitutional Court ruling which emphasizes the duty of public schools to provide religious education in a pluralistic, non-sectarian manner.

Development of Outreach and Educational Materials:

● Animated videos and social media reels explaining the secular nature of the Colombian state

● Infographics and brochures on the rights of students, parents, and teachers in the public education system

● Public workshops and community learning activities in libraries, cultural centers, and parks

● Awareness campaigns in both digital and physical formats to promote understanding of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and the role of the secular state

Target Audiences:

● Public school students and teachers

● Parents and caregivers

● Educational administrators

● Civil society organizations interested in rights-based education

Component 3 - Supervision and Student Rights Defense Brigades

This final component introduces a legal and institutional oversight mechanism to support compliance with national law and international human rights instruments in the public education sector.

Main Actions:

● Formation of Legal Brigades: Teams of legal professionals and trained volunteers will monitor educational institutions to assess compliance with secularism and rights guarantees.

● Supervision Missions: Field visits will be conducted in prioritized regions, engaging local educational authorities in dialogue and cooperation.

● Free Legal Assistance: Individual students and families whose rights are being infringed—whether due to religious imposition, discrimination, or denial of access to pluralistic education—will receive pro bono legal support.

● Case Identification and Advocacy: A digital reporting platform will allow students and community members to flag potential violations. Verified cases will be addressed through legal channels and amplified via media and advocacy campaigns.

Geographic Focus

In its initial phase, the project will prioritize regions characterized by:

● High levels of religious influence in public education

● Reports of rights violations or lack of pluralism in school curricula

● Existing networks of educators or institutions open to innovation and collaboration

These include both urban centers and rural areas with limited access to secular educational resources. Monitoring and Evaluation

Each component of the project will be subject to continuous monitoring and impact assessment, including:

● Pre- and post-intervention surveys with educators and students

● Evaluation of student outcomes in reading comprehension and awareness of rights

● Reports from legal brigades on institutional compliance

● Metrics on engagement through campaigns and community activities

The results will guide future iterations of the project and support evidence-based advocacy before educational and governmental bodies.

Humanist Seeds Project – Budget Allocation USD $150

Note: These funds will not cover the entirety of the Humanist Seeds Project nor the planned educational book. Rather, this budget represents a contribution that will help us cover specific fees and expenses related to the Humanist Help component of the program. Any support is welcomed and strengthens the sustainability of the initiative.

Category

Legal Advisory for Children $70

Social Media Ads & Promotion $60

Travel Contingency $20

Total: $150 USD

Conclusion: Why It Matters

The Humanist Seeds Project is grounded in the conviction that education is the foundation of democratic life. By promoting critical thinking, respect for diversity, and secular values in schools, we plant the seeds of a more just, rational, and free society.

In a time of increasing polarization and dogmatism, this initiative seeks to reclaim the classroom as a space for open inquiry, human dignity, and intellectual growth.

We invite educators, institutions, donors, and civil society allies to join us in this collective effort to transform Colombian education—one seed at a time.