Over the past few months, Natalia Meza and Miguel Guevara, young participants in our Horizontes University Program, took on a challenge that started with something seemingly small: designing a part that would allow the Community Store to use one of its event tents again for activities and sales events.

At first glance, it may have seemed like an insignificant piece. And yes, it was small. But when it broke, it could no longer perform an essential function: providing the support needed to keep the tent structure securely assembled.

And the Community Store’s tent is more than just another piece of equipment. It is an essential tool for participating in events, promoting sales, and continuing to strengthen this space for a more sustainable and solidarity-based economy.

Faced with this situation, Natalia and Miguel proposed a solution: design and print a new prototype using the 3D printer available through the Corporation’s programs.

The process was not immediate. They had to design the part, conduct tests, evaluate materials, make adjustments, and print different versions until they found one that met the requirements.

More than simply printing a part, the challenge gave them the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice: analyzing a problem, experimenting, making mistakes, making adjustments, and trying again until they found a solution.

For Natalia, leading this challenge has been especially meaningful:

“It was rewarding to turn something that was only a design into action and to understand that the things we consider small can serve a greater purpose. It has also been an exercise in patience and analysis—skills I have developed throughout my time in our programs and was able to put into practice with this prototype.”

This experience shows that learning takes on a new meaning when ideas leave the classroom and are applied to real-world challenges.

The piece that is now installed is a living example that the children and young people in our community do more than learn: they develop the skills to create, solve problems, and become agents of change.

Would you like to learn how you can support our Horizontes University Program? Click here.