¿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:
Inspiring Voices
Valery Alzate López
Student at Maltería Public School
"Learning is so much fun because the stories we read are about animals. My favorite story is about Adela, the friendly squirrel. We also have workbooks where we build different words and play while we learn. I didn’t know how to read or write very well before, but now I can do it much better — I can even teach the little ones, and I really like that."
Juan Manuel Jaramillo
Estudiante de primaria colegio Itec
“I love Active School because it benefits me and my classmates. It helped me be less shy, express myself better, and become a better leader. Now I’m a student leader for school harmony, and I’ve changed a lot because I learned how to solve problems. My classmates and I have different roles that help us do our tasks better in the classroom. I want other children to have an Active School too.”
Juan Pablo Robledo
Graduate of University at your School
"For me, 'University at your School' represents the transformation of my life — and I believe it continues to do the same for many others. Before joining the program, I used to spend my afternoons doing inappropriate things, I struggled with alcohol and addictions, and I was surrounded by negative influences. I graduated as a technician and technologist in systems. Today, I’m studying Systems Engineering, learning English, and working toward a certification in programming languages. Now, my dreams are to buy a house for my mother and another one for myself."
Karen Plazas
Young woman from Gigante (Huila)
For me, Generation R is a project that allows the rural youth to learn about and gain access to new opportunities to develop their future aspirations without the need for migrating to large cities.