¿Why Manizales as a Living Lab for Social Innovation?

Manizales is more than a city nestled in the mountains — it is a dynamic ecosystem where collaboration becomes a driver for solving complex social challenges. Its urban scale, robust network of stakeholders, and deeply rooted culture of partnerships make it an ideal testing ground for learning, innovation, and scaling high-impact initiatives.

Fundación Luker — established by local citizens and intrinsically connected to the city’s history, identity, and future — has played a central role in this transformation. What began as traditional philanthropy has evolved into a platform for collective impact, built on evidence, co-creation, and sustainability. From early literacy programs to technical education for youth, Manizales is home to initiatives that not only address local needs but also influence public policy and serve as scalable models for other regions in Colombia and Latin America.

This is a place where data drives decisions, partnerships power progress, and philanthropy becomes a vehicle for lasting, systemic change — from the local level to the global stage.

Discover the initiatives that transform lives

We are a family- and business-based foundation that creates and promotes social innovation solutions for development and equity through strong public, private, and academic partnerships. Learn about our programs:

It is a program that strengthens literacy skills in primary school children, with a strong focus on first grade.

It is a program that strengthens math skills in primary school children through problem-solving.

It is a pedagogical model focused on developing empathy, perseverance, self-efficacy, emotional regulation, teamwork, and decision-making..

It is a large-scale access program that brings tertiary education directly into schools.

It is a movement for systemic transformation that empowers rural youth as key agents of change.

Inspiring Voices

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