Between the school and the toy library: senses and meanings of educating and learning in a Siloé community

Abstract

This research article has the purpose of showing the different meanings and meanings of educating and learning for children and adults involved in two institutional contexts, a toy library and a primary school located in the Siloé neighborhood of Cali, Colombia. Through a qualitative look that privileges participant stories and observations about two teachers, three toy librarians, a mother and the children who attend both spaces. It starts from a theoretical approach to cultural psychology in which education is understood not only as a transmission of knowledge, but as a process related to identity. This work proposes a discussion about the meaning of education as a future goal when there are more immediate needs in marginal contexts such as that of Siloé. The work of community settings is highlighted, to bring the school closer to the realities of the neighborhood.