Origin of Teacher's Day in Colombia

In Colombia , Teacher's Day is celebrated annually, every May 15 . This date is an opportunity to recognize the work, dedication and sacrifice of all the people who dedicate themselves to this commendable work, training future generations.

Read on and discover why Teacher's Day is celebrated on May 15 in our country.

How was Teacher's Day born in Colombia?

The celebration of Teacher's Day on May 15 is due to a reason of religious origin. History teaches that on May 15, 1950, Pope Pius XII appointed Saint John Baptist de la Salle as the special patron of educators.

Taking advantage of the situation and the Pope's decision, that same May 15, 1950, the then president, Mariano Ospina Pérez, decided to declare that every May 15 Teacher's Day would be celebrated in Colombia.

Saint John Baptist de la Salle, was born in France on April 30, 1651 and he dedicated his entire life to the priesthood and pedagogy. During his time, education was a privilege reserved only for some people from the privileged classes or those destined to have some important position in the government of the country, whether it was diplomacy or politics.

However, he believed that education should be free and universal, especially for the underprivileged. This is how he came to found the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools; community that was dedicated to bringing education to those who did not have the resources to access it and which has founded a large number of colleges and universities in various parts of the world, including Colombia.