A SENATIC instructor in an ILO-supported initiative says teaching technology is key to helping young people build their future
From Copacabana, Antioquia, Harry Machado supports upper secondary students in developing digital skills, convinced that learning technology today means expanding tomorrow’s opportunities.
Harry Machado Murillo was only ten years old when he realized he enjoyed explaining what he had learned to others. While helping classmates and children in his community with mathematics and other subjects, he discovered that teaching was about much more than sharing knowledge—it was a way of helping people recognize what they were capable of achieving.
Today, that vocation comes to life in the classrooms of La Trinidad Educational Institution in Copacabana, where he works as a SENATIC instructor, guiding eleventh-grade students as they develop digital skills that can open new educational and employment opportunities.
SENATIC is an initiative led by Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC), the National Learning Service (SENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen the digital skills of upper secondary technical education students and support their transition to higher education and the world of work. The initiative currently reaches more than 1,100 educational institutions, has enrolled over 70,000 learners and has awarded more than 22,000 technical certifications during the first cohort of its integrated training programme.
Although Harry was born in Zaragoza, Antioquia, he grew up in Quibdó, Chocó, where he spent much of his childhood and youth. It was there that he discovered how much he enjoyed supporting the learning journey of others.
"From a very young age, I realized I had a natural ability to explain things to children and young people. Communicating with them always came easily to me, and I began to think that teaching could become part of my life’s purpose," he recalls., recuerda.
Con esa motivación decidió estudiar Ingeniería en Telecomunicaciones e Informática. Durante su formación encontró un campo que combinaba dos de sus mayores intereses: la tecnología y la posibilidad de compartir conocimiento.
Later, he furthered his professional development by specializing in Technology Infrastructure Management, convinced that lifelong learning is essential in a constantly evolving sector.
Harry joined SENATIC after coming across a call for instructors on social media. Shortly afterwards, he began working with students at La Trinidad Educational Institution, where he took on the challenge of teaching software development. The first few months were not easy. He inherited groups that had gone through previous training processes and needed to rebuild their trust in both the learning experience and the guidance provided by their instructors.
Through patience and a close, supportive approach, he gradually built relationships based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to learning.
"Over time, the students came to understand my teaching style and began to trust me. Today, we work together with great respect and a genuine desire to learn from one another," he explains., he explains.
Harry Machado Murillo was only ten years old when he realized he enjoyed explaining what he had learned to others. While helping classmates and children in his community with mathematics and other subjects, he discovered that teaching was about much more than sharing knowledge—it was a way of helping people recognize what they were capable of achieving.
Today, that vocation comes to life in the classrooms of La Trinidad Educational Institution in Copacabana, where he works as a SENATIC instructor, guiding eleventh-grade students as they develop digital skills that can open new educational and employment opportunities.
SENATIC is an initiative led by Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC), the National Learning Service (SENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen the digital skills of upper secondary technical education students and support their transition to higher education and the world of work. The initiative currently reaches more than 1,100 educational institutions, has enrolled over 70,000 learners and has awarded more than 22,000 technical certifications during the first cohort of its integrated training programme.
A calling that began in the classroom
Although Harry was born in Zaragoza, Antioquia, he grew up in Quibdó, Chocó, where he spent much of his childhood and youth. It was there that he discovered how much he enjoyed supporting the learning journey of others.
"From a very young age, I realized I had a natural ability to explain things to children and young people. Communicating with them always came easily to me, and I began to think that teaching could become part of my life’s purpose," he recalls., recuerda.
Con esa motivación decidió estudiar Ingeniería en Telecomunicaciones e Informática. Durante su formación encontró un campo que combinaba dos de sus mayores intereses: la tecnología y la posibilidad de compartir conocimiento.
Later, he furthered his professional development by specializing in Technology Infrastructure Management, convinced that lifelong learning is essential in a constantly evolving sector.
Bringing technology into the real world
Harry joined SENATIC after coming across a call for instructors on social media. Shortly afterwards, he began working with students at La Trinidad Educational Institution, where he took on the challenge of teaching software development. The first few months were not easy. He inherited groups that had gone through previous training processes and needed to rebuild their trust in both the learning experience and the guidance provided by their instructors.
Through patience and a close, supportive approach, he gradually built relationships based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to learning.
"Over time, the students came to understand my teaching style and began to trust me. Today, we work together with great respect and a genuine desire to learn from one another," he explains., he explains.
Learning technology to better understand the world
In his classes, Harry strives to make programming something tangible rather than abstract—a practical tool for understanding everyday life.
Rather than simply teaching coding languages or technical concepts, he encourages students to recognize how technology is woven into almost every aspect of their daily lives and how digital skills can create new opportunities for their future.
"I tell them that even if programming does not become their career, understanding these tools will help them succeed in any field. Today, almost everything is driven by technology,"she says.
For Harry, young people already interact with digital platforms and social media every day. The next step is helping them understand how these technologies work and how they can use them to create solutions, innovate and build their own professional paths.
A commitment to the next generation
Beyond teaching technical skills, Harry believes that one of the greatest challenges is inspiring students to recognize their potential and remain motivated to keep learning. He is convinced that digital skills training provides an opportunity to broaden horizons, particularly in a world where technology is constantly reshaping the way people study, work and communicate.
That is why he hopes to continue growing professionally by pursuing a master's degree while remaining engaged in teaching. "I want to keep teaching. It is something I truly enjoy, and it allows me to contribute to young people's future," he says.
Reflecting on the impact of SENATIC, Harry emphasizes the importance of ensuring that initiatives like this continue to reach more educational institutions and communities across Colombia.
"I hope this project continues to grow because it provides real opportunities for so many young people. Every skill they acquire today can become a tool for building their future tomorrow,", he concludes.
Harry Machado's story illustrates how a passion for teaching and access to technology education can become a powerful combination for strengthening the capabilities of the next generation. It also highlights that behind every learning journey are dedicated educators committed to supporting young people as they build pathways that expand their opportunities to access decent work and participate in an increasingly digital economy.
Harry Machado Murillo, a SENATIC instructor at La Trinidad Educational Institution in Copacabana, Antioquia, supports upper secondary students in developing digital skills that strengthen their educational opportunities and prepare them for the world of work.
