The overarching aim of this project is to help create a favorable policy environment for the uptake of evidence-based tools and programs on character development in Colombia. The project seeks to achieve this goal via continued support for the Alliance for Socioemotional Learning and Development (AFSEC) in Colombia.

AFSEC is a non-government national partnership in Colombia that promotes character development and socio-emotional learning. It is based on three strategic pillars: Action, Learning, and Policy/Advocacy. 

In early 2023, TWCF funded 50,000 USD to expand the activities of AFSEC. This funding enabled AFSEC to hire a secretary and consistent administrative support, expand the membership base, define a participatory strategy, host a high-level event for the launch of the OECD's Report on Philanthropy's Contribution to Socioemotional learning and lay the foundation for sustainability of AFSEC through leveraging funding and membership fees from local organizations.

This funding seeks to build on these accomplishments and lay the basis for the long-term sustainability of AFSEC by organizing monthly expert-led meetings on character and SEL, designing a program for education secretariats to better integrate character and SEL into their work plans, developing a digital guideline to support this process, and enhancing AFSEC’s position through a national event and communication strategy. On the evaluation side, this funding will enable a comprehensive mapping of existing SEL and Character Education programs within the AFSEC community, enhancing transparency and collaboration among stakeholders.