The Ismael Cala Foundation created “El Vuelo de la Cometa” with a clear and heartfelt mission: to partner with schools in cultivating environments where positive leadership can flourish. Through collaboration with educators and communities, the program inspires students to become active, engaged, and socially conscious individuals while strengthening their emotional intelligence as a foundation for lifelong success. El Vuelo de la Cometa is a transformative leadership and emotional intelligence initiative designed for adolescents aged 13 to 17. It equips young people with practical tools to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions, empowering them to respond to life’s challenges with resilience, empathy, and confidence. More than a program, it is a journey of self-discovery. Participants embark on a guided exploration of their unique talents, personality traits, strengths, and areas of genius. By nurturing self-awareness, self-esteem, and purpose, El Vuelo de la Cometa helps young leaders unlock their fullest potential and take flight toward a future shaped by intention, character, and impact.
The Flight of the Kite results in students who are motivated to learn academically, are empathetic towards those around them, learn to build healthy relationships, reduce apathy, be more productive, and develop the drive to work towards their dreams.
We support students in recognizing their emotions, identifying limiting paradigms, and developing greater self-awareness. This process strengthens empathy, a sense of purpose, and the ability to find well-being in everyday life.
We foster self-leadership, change management, and productivity skills so young people stay motivated in their learning and work with focus toward their goals and dreams. This helps reduce apathy and build healthier habits.
We promote values-based communication, respect, and the development of healthy relationships with peers and teachers. As a result, participants strengthen their ability to overcome challenges, improve coexistence, and commit to goals such as completing their studies.
Shaping Leaders Through Self-Discovery
To bring the program into schools, we use the Trainer-of-Trainers (ToT) model, empowering educators and mentors to become certified facilitators. How It Works: The ToT model ensures the program’s scalability and long-term impact. Once a team is trained in a given region, they gain the skills and resources to replicate the program year after year with new groups of young people. Each certified trainer receives a comprehensive manual, equipping them to guide and inspire future cohorts with consistency, quality, and passion.
During the holiday season, we offer a week-long program for adolescents focused on emotional intelligence and leadership. Over five days (Monday to Friday), participants explore all 12 core areas of the program, engaging in hands-on activities that foster self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. This day camp format allows young people to develop their skills in a supportive environment without overnight stays. All sessions are led by certified facilitators from the Ismael Cala Foundation’s “El Vuelo de la Cometa” program, ensuring expert guidance and a transformative experience for every participant.
Companies that offer programs or benefits for the adolescent children of their employees can partner with the Ismael Cala Foundation to provide this unique opportunity. By establishing a collaboration, organizations can support the personal growth, emotional intelligence, and leadership development of young people while reinforcing their commitment to employee well-being. Through this partnership, businesses help create meaningful experiences that empower the next generation of leaders, fostering skills such as self-awareness, resilience, and social responsibility. The Foundation works closely with corporate partners to implement the program seamlessly, ensuring that participating teens receive high-quality guidance from certified facilitators of “El Vuelo de la Cometa.”
Social development organizations and educational institutions interested in implementing “El Vuelo de la Cometa” for their beneficiaries or students are invited to connect with the Ismael Cala Foundation. By partnering with the Foundation, organizations can explore how the program can be tailored to meet the unique needs of their communities and participants. Our team works collaboratively with institutions to assess feasibility, design a customized implementation plan, and provide the necessary training and resources for facilitators. This ensures that every student or beneficiary experiences a transformative journey in emotional intelligence, leadership, and personal growth. By bringing this program into their settings, organizations can offer young people meaningful opportunities to develop self-awareness, resilience, and leadership skills that will serve them for life.
We would love to invite you to connect with us to explore opportunities for collaboration and to let this kite soar together.
With the graduation of 902 students from the Ismael Cala Foundation’s El Vuelo de la Cometa program, the city of Manizales and several municipalities across
To expand their impact and reach more vulnerable youth and teenagers in the United States, beginning in Florida, the Ismael Cala Foundation and the Acevedo
Sign up for the latest news, research, and perspectives from Cala Foundation.
