Hello! I'm Marcelo Cabarcas, a Colombian passionate about early childhood literacy and cultural awareness. My research is a fusion of these interests, exploring how Afro-Colombian literature can enhance literacy and foster cultural identity. I'm currently in my sixth year at the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pittsburgh. My dissertation delves into the literacy gap affecting Afro-Colombian communities and how ethno-pedagogic interventions in Cartagena's public schools can address this issue.

My journey has been enlightening, uncovering the profound impact of Afro-Colombian literature on students' literacy skills and self-esteem. Engaging with students and educators has provided invaluable insights into the challenges and potentials of literacy education in Cartagena. My research has been largely based on my interactions with local communities. I have collaborated with LEARTE, a non-profit organization that specializes in community work with a legal perspective and an ethnocultural approach. Their main goal is to promote human rights, entrepreneurship, and self-development in the predominantly Black communities of the city's marginal neighborhoods. Working with LEARTE has deepened my understanding of the cultural and social dynamics at play in these communities.

Initially focused on literacy, my research has expanded to include a broader analysis of cultural identity and its role in education. This shift was inspired by the vibrant stories and experiences shared by the communities I'm working with. I've been integrating methodologies like participatory research to capture the essence of the Afro-Colombian experience in literacy education. My plans have evolved to include more community-based activities, aligning with the needs and expectations of the children and educators involved. Witnessing the transformation in children's reading abilities and self-perception has been incredibly fulfilling. It's a testament to the power of culturally relevant education.

Integral to the learning journey are the dynamic, playful activities that accompany reading exercises, which are crucial in teaching literacy to early learners. These activities, some of which are depicted in the images accompanying this post, interweave games and laughter with educational objectives, creating a joyful and effective learning environment. This approach not only reinforces literacy skills but also ensures that learning is a delightful experience for the children, igniting their passion for reading and learning in a way that resonates with their cultural identity.

This fellowship has honed my skills in ethnographic research, community engagement, and pedagogical analysis. Navigating the complexities of educational disparities has been challenging, but adapting my approaches to be more inclusive and community-focused has been key.The process has exceeded my expectations, offering a richer and more nuanced understanding of literacy and cultural identity than I had anticipated.

This has been a transformative journey, not just academically but personally. It has allowed me to intertwine my passions for literacy and cultural awareness in a way that will make a lasting impact in Cartagena and beyond. As I look forward to the remainder of my fellowship, I'm excited to continue this work and share the outcomes of my research with the academic community and the public.

For Future Humanists: Embrace the unexpected. Your research will evolve as you delve deeper, so remain open and adaptable. For Immersive Dissertation Research Fellowship (IDRF) applicants, the key to producing research that truly resonates and has a meaningful impact lies in a deep engagement with the community you are studying. This engagement goes beyond mere observation; it involves becoming an active participant in the community's daily life to gain a profound understanding of their lived experiences, struggles, and aspirations. In my research on Afro-Colombian literature and its role in improving literacy in Cartagena, I've learned that being immersed in the community provides invaluable insights that cannot be captured through distant analysis. By working closely with local organizations, I have observed firsthand the challenges Afro-Colombian communities face and how these challenges are intertwined with cultural identity, human rights, and self-development issues.