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BOGOTÁ (ILO News) - Carolina Zamaida González knows that education has the power to transform lives because she has built her own through hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Today, as a SENATIC instructor in the municipalities of Filandia, Quimbaya, and Calarcá, she supports young people in developing digital competencies that can open new opportunities for their educational and professional futures.

Through SENATIC, an initiative led by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), SENA, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), young people across different regions of Colombia strengthen technological and socio-emotional skills that contribute to improving their learning opportunities, employability, and participation in the digital economy.

For Carolina, being part of this process means much more than teaching programming or data analytics. It means helping students stay focused on their goals and discover abilities they often do not realize they possess.

A Story Built Through Effort

Born in Aguachica, Cesar, Carolina grew up with her two siblings in a hardworking family where values, discipline, and sacrifice were part of everyday life.

Those lessons stayed with her when she decided to move to the department of Quindío to pursue a degree in Systems Engineering at Antonio Nariño University.

During her university years, she combined her studies with work at the same institution, supporting academic registration and administrative processes to contribute to her family's income and finance part of her education.

The experience taught her a lesson that continues to guide her professional life: meaningful results require consistency and commitment.

"Effort is always rewarded. Many young people simply need to hear that it is possible to move forward, even when the path seems difficult," she says.

Learning to Understand Different Realities

Moving to Colombia's Coffee Region also represented a personal process of adaptation.

Coming from a region shaped by diverse cultural influences, she encountered new ways of relating to others and understanding her surroundings. Over time, the experience strengthened her ability to work with people from different backgrounds and better understand the realities faced by young people.

Before dedicating herself fully to education, Carolina built a professional career in various fields, including her work as a judicial investigator within one of the country's oversight institutions.

While that role strengthened her analytical skills and professional rigor, it was in education that she found a deeper sense of purpose.

"The most rewarding part is seeing young people progress and knowing that, in some way, you contributed to that journey," she explains.

Motivating Students to Stay the Course

Since joining SENATIC, Carolina has supported training processes in data analytics and software programming in educational institutions across Filandia, Quimbaya, and Calarcá.

There, she has identified one of the most important challenges many students face: staying motivated and committed to their learning journey.

To address this challenge, she has developed teaching methodologies that connect students with real-world workplace situations. In her classes, learners take on roles such as software developers, data analysts, and project leaders, simulating the dynamics they may encounter in professional environments.

"I do not see them only as students. I try to help them understand how teams work, how responsibilities are assumed, and how they can begin preparing for their professional future today."

This approach aims to strengthen learners' commitment to their education and help them visualize concrete opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Technology as a Tool for Opportunity

Throughout her experience with SENATIC, Carolina has observed growing interest among young people in areas such as artificial intelligence, programming, and data analysis.

However, she believes that the real challenge is not only teaching technological tools but also demonstrating how these tools can become instruments for learning, entrepreneurship, and access to new opportunities.

"Technology is transforming the world. Our job is to help young people understand how they can use it to build life projects and achieve their goals."

She also highlights the considerable efforts many learners make to participate in training activities. Some live in rural areas and must travel long distances to attend classes, a reality that reinforces her commitment as an instructor.

"When you see the effort they make to get there and learn, you understand the responsibility you have as an educator."

Investing in the Future

Carolina is convinced that skills development for the world of work remains one of the most effective tools for generating lasting change.

For that reason, she hopes to continue contributing to training and innovation processes focused on young people, supporting future generations as they build their life projects.

Reflecting on SENATIC's impact across different regions, she emphasizes the importance of exposing students to emerging technologies and innovative methodologies that strengthen their ability to face present and future challenges.

"As instructors, we are only part of their journey for a short time. But during that time, we can help shape the future of many young people. That is both a tremendous responsibility and a valuable opportunity to transform lives."

Her story reflects how the combination of vocation, experience, and commitment can help expand opportunities for new generations and strengthen their preparation for a world of work that is constantly evolving.