Creciendo Juntos

Abstract

This paper presents the systematization of a community based pedagogical experience developed at the FUNMUPAZ Foundation in Valledupar, involving children aged 5 to 9 and their families. The initiative, titled Creciendo Juntos ("Growing Together"), aimed to strengthen family emotional bonds and promote a culture of peace in socially vulnerable contexts. The methodology followed the experiential systematization model proposed by Óscar Jara, structured into five stages: starting point, process recovery, critical reflection, conceptualization, and conclusions. A qualitative and participatory approach was employed, using techniques such as participant observation, field journals, interviews, and play-based workshops. Key findings highlight that play, talking circles, and art significantly enhanced emotional expression, intergenerational dialogue, and the transformation of authoritarian parenting practices. Strengthened affective bonds, improved family coexistence, and the development of children’s socioemotional skills were evident. This experience contributes to the field of community-based early childhood education by demonstrating the transformative potential of participatory, affective, and context-sensitive methodologies, especially when families are acknowledged as active agents in the educational process.