“Little Scientists” Programme

This program was born in 2002 as an initiative aimed at the renewal of pedagogical practices through which children and young people learn science in primary school.

The aim is to develop a scientific and social attitude towards investigating the natural phenomenons that surround them. Technology and learning about science should be related to students’ everyday life and, therefore, should be used to understand common materials and elements in the students’ daily lives.

The programme is carried out in line with the agreement established between the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation, the District Secretariat of Education and the Universidad de los Andes, who acted as the executing entity.

Guided investigation is considered to be a tool that drives thought and develops understanding. There is no reason why students should develop their understanding of the world by memorising facts and events.

A system with a global impact

Several academies from around the world have endorsed the suitability of this system and are supporting scientific literacy projects in different countries by teaching science and encouraging investigation. This programme is becoming one of the strongest programmes in the world for updating science teaching. The progress of its implementation and development will enable it to be included in the large research communities in education and evaluation of science in primary school, and increase the support received by different Colombian and international organisations.

For contributing to scientific literacy for children, the programme was awarded the Purkwa Award, a distinction promoted by the Saint-Etienne School of Mines and the French Academy of Sciences.

In these 14 years of program development (in cities such as Bogotá, Tunja and Mosquera), a total of 41,755 students, 1,092 teachers and 77 educational institutions have benefited.

Training Programme for Vehicular Natural Gas Mechanics (VNG)

This training programme was formalized through the agreement signed between the Naturgy Foundation, the Autotraining company and the SENA (National Learning Service), as the official entity that gives academic endorsement to the program.

This programme aims to train technicians specialising in automobile mechanics and vehicular natural gas installations in order to gain the required labour skills.

The programme includes 400 hours of training within a maximum period of six months.

The areas it focuses on are:

Tools

Drawing

Automotive mechanic

Conversion

Ignition

OBD motor computer system

Basic English

Workshop order and logistics

Gas Analysis

Industrial Security

Electronic injection

Electricity

Metrology

In the 9 years that this program has been developing, a total of 7,240 specialist mechanics and 148 specialized workshops have been trained.

The cities and regions of Bogota and Bucurmanga benefited from this programme.

Certificate ceremony for the VNG Conversion Technicians Training Programme

The Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation has carried out the technical specialists Training Programme in Colombia since 2007. This programme aims to train technicians specialising in automobile mechanics and vehicular natural gas installations in order to gain the required labour skills.

Supplier development programme. Colombia.

Companies that issue bills, deal with natural gas emergencies and restoration companies. The comprehensive training plan will enable the contracted companies to coordinate better with Gasoriente S.A., ESP and to raise quality and service levels in their operation. The implementation of this programme brings together 160 people who work in different positions at Prestegas, Tecnogas, Esystem, Siig and H&L.