Citizenship education in Colombia

Alejandro Mesa A. Citizenship education is an extremely important topic in society and particularly in educational institutions. Eventhough it is a topic of current increasing concern, it is important to keep in mind the precedents of citizenship and citizenship formation as a political issue, existing in schools since the dawn of the republic. One of the main characteristics of citizenship education in Colombia and in other parts of the world, is undoubtly related to the existing ideals of citizenship, moved by interests other than the ones of the citizens themselves. Instead, such interests are looking forward to fullfil already preestablished nation's projects. The present article gives an introduction to the process of citizenship in Colombian through the participation that took place during the first competitive elections in 1830. The topic of citizenship education is discussed and there is space for a brief reflection on it historical development.