On May 19th, 2025, something truly beautiful unfolded at Escuela Santo Tomás de Aquino in Medellín, Colombia. From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., laughter, discovery, and meaningful connections filled the air. 25 bright five-year-olds took part in the ANCLA Workshop. This engaging experience is designed to nurture emotional intelligence and help young children understand their feelings, trust their instincts, and recognize their right to safety.
The ANCLA Workshop was made even more impactful by the presence of Paul Hutchinson, founder of the Child Liberation Foundation (CLF), and Hada Vanessa Hutchinson, CLF’s Executive Director. They were joined by eight international volunteers, whose warmth and cultural diversity added a unique energy to the experience.
Learning to Feel, Express, and Say No
The workshop opened with “La cara de las emociones,” an interactive circle. Here children explored six basic emotions—joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust—using facial expressions and body movements. Through storytelling and role-play, the children practiced expressing their emotions and learned how to identify safe and unsafe situations.
They also discovered the power of saying “No” in uncomfortable circumstances. The activity sparked thoughtful reflection and gave the children a fun, safe way to explore their emotional world.
Listening to the Soul
A quieter, more reflective moment followed with the reading of “El pájaro del alma” (The Soul Bird). Through the story, children connected with their inner voice—their intuition—by identifying what makes them feel safe or uneasy.
Afterward, the song “Casita de emociones” helped children symbolically locate their feelings within their bodies. This deepened their emotional awareness and made abstract concepts feel tangible and age-appropriate.
Drawing the Soul Bird
With crayons in hand and imagination in full flight, the children finished the day by creating their own “soul bird” drawings. Each bird became a deeply personal symbol of safety, joy, and emotional peace. Most featured family members, favorite places, or comforting memories.
This artistic moment allowed children to visualize their support systems. It also gave them a chance to reflect on the people and places that bring them calm and happiness.
A Day of Connection and Care
This wasn’t just a workshop. It was a celebration of emotional learning, compassion, and connection. The involvement of Paul and Hada created a warm and open atmosphere where the children felt valued and supported. The international volunteers added new perspectives and heartfelt engagement that made the event all the more memorable.
Together, the group created a safe, nurturing space where the children were encouraged to express themselves, ask questions, and embrace their emotions as part of who they are.
Conclusion
The ANCLA Workshop at Escuela Santo Tomás de Aquino successfully achieved its goals through creative, playful, and meaningful activities. The children gained essential tools for emotional regulation, built stronger connections with their intuition, and deepened their understanding of personal safety.
It was a joyful, powerful day—one that highlighted just how transformative emotional education can be, especially when delivered with love, empathy, and genuine human connection.
