Milagros de la Caridad Montero Yero's words, gestures, and smiles become tender, even more so when she interacts with the infants of the Meñique Children's House, at the Marcelo Salado Lastra School, in the municipality of Colombia.

She is the children's favorite "aunt," and like a mother to the rest of the teachers and educational assistants at the center because she treats them all with love and respect, regardless that she is the owner of more grey hair and more experience too.

She has a long career in the education sector, spanning more than four decades, and is always at the service of early childhood. She was already retired, but social, and professional recognition knocked on her door, and she accepted to return to what she loved so much.

"It's a long story, more than 40 years, that began when I was 15 and for my interest, I went to the province of Holguín, to the school for early childhood educators. After four years, I graduated and returned to Colombia in 1982."

"I retired in 2022. I spent a year at home, retired, and the rest... you know. Here I am, contributing to the education of children of working mothers in the health and education sectors. Before that, I had worked in a circle, in the Educate Your Child program and in pre-school education."

"I have never worked in a center like this before and I think it is life itself. For me, it is very nice because now I feel very good, renewed. I want to create every day, see the joy of the children, and work with a lot of love for them. It's what I really like the most."

This educator honors her name and every day she works miracles with the children. Some are shy and quiet; others are a little more expressive. But they all learn the content she teaches them through colors, songs, and geometric shapes.

"That's very nice. I feel satisfied when I see that the children learn, sing, and do what you tell them. Then, the family comes and says thank you because they appreciate the achievements their children have made. It pleases me to know that I am doing something good for children."

"When I'm at home I miss them and I wish I had them around. I take the opportunity to make them their materials. The neighbors tell me that I'm always loaded and my daughter tells me that I never stop making things and that I'm always inventing new materials."

"I can't stop. I have to make the children and the family feel good. This stage of early childhood is crucial. Teaching children everything they need to know, between the ages of zero and six, is what prepares them to assimilate the knowledge they need to know in the future."

Milagros is also very helpful with the young girls who work with the children in the children's home and who are still studying the specialty. She prepares them and teaches them in day-to-day matters. She even advises them when they have exams or practical evaluations.

"I tell them that for the children you have to work with love and aesthetics; not to present them with an ugly toy, but to bring them the most attractive one. The important thing is that they see it with interest, that they like it, and feel motivated to learn. Everything we teach them is passed on to the family.

When asked how long she will be with the children at the casita, she was quick to reply: "As long as my health allows me to. As long as I have the strength, I want to be here. In this little house, I feel as happy as if I had been born again."