Introduction
Diego Fernando Tarazona Pinzón embarked on a transformative journey in 2015 when he was working in the commercial sector of a machinery manufacturing company. Armed with a degree in electronic engineering, a suggestion from a neighbor in the Manuela Beltrán neighborhood, Tarazona’s responsibilities involved selling products and services worldwide. However, it was a particular trip to India that altered his perspective and ignited a passion within him for effecting positive change through education.
The Genesis of Campuslands
In India, Tarazona encountered buildings dedicated to training programmers, where the notion of the burgeoning demand for industrial technology (IT) resonated deeply with him. He returned to Colombia with a vision, a vision that would soon materialize into Campuslands. Alongside his partner, they pooled together 200 million pesos (approximately 85,000 dollars) in personal loans to establish Campuslands, a training center for programming aimed at economically disadvantaged youth from socio-economic strata 1, 2, and 3.
Campuslands: A Beacon of Hope
Campuslands stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of young individuals with limited resources. At Campuslands, no student pays for their education. Tarazona describes it as an intermediate stage between secondary school and higher education. Over a period of 10 months, 26 dedicated instructors provide rigorous training in English, leadership, soft skills, and approximately 1,600 hours of programming content. This holistic approach not only equips students with technical skills but also instills in them a sense of purpose, preparing them for their first jobs.
Bridging the Gap: Education and Employment
A hallmark of Campuslands is its remarkable success in facilitating swift employment for its graduates. Tarazona proudly notes that all graduates secure employment opportunities with companies from the Americas, Europe, and Colombia. Companies such as Vensure (United States), Solvo Global (Colombia), and Amaris Consulting (France-Switzerland) are among the project’s financial backers. This model earned Campuslands the prestigious Business Synergy award from Vanguardia, a newspaper in Santander.
The Role of Diego Tarazona
Diego Tarazona assumes the role of overseeing the commercial aspects of Campuslands, leveraging his expertise to forge partnerships and secure funding. Meanwhile, his partner, Andrés Lizarazo, focuses on curriculum development and content structuring. This collaborative effort ensures the smooth operation and growth of Campuslands.
Overcoming Challenges: From Humble Beginnings to Great Success
The journey from humble beginnings to resounding success was not without its challenges. Tarazona recalls the early days when they launched the first program in February 2021 in a modest 100-square-meter space. Despite initial setbacks, including a high dropout rate of over 70%, Tarazona and Lizarazo persevered. They recognized the need to reassess their target demographic, leading to a pivotal shift towards catering to young individuals aged 16 and above.
Redefining Success: Impact and Sustainability
Today, Campuslands boasts an impressive roster of 160 graduates, with an additional 400 students currently undergoing training. Tarazona envisions scaling up the program to accommodate 1,000 young individuals annually in the coming years. He attributes the success of Campuslands to its intensive curriculum, offering significantly more instructional hours compared to other educational programs in the country.
Empowering Youth: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Tarazona emphasizes that the intensive training at Campuslands equips students with the technical prowess and confidence needed to excel in the workforce. He cites examples of young programmers as young as 18 being hired by multinational corporations, underscoring the program’s ability to facilitate upward social mobility and financial well-being. By empowering youth and providing them with opportunities to break free from the shackles of poverty, Campuslands is catalyzing lasting social change.
Conclusion
Diego Fernando Tarazona Pinzón’s journey from a corporate salesman to a visionary educator underscores the transformative power of education. Through Campuslands, Tarazona has not only provided hundreds of young individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy but has also ignited a movement towards social change and economic empowerment. As Campuslands continues to expand its reach and impact, Tarazona remains steadfast in his commitment to creating a brighter future for the youth of Colombia and beyond.