At the Instituto México Maternal, Preschool and Primary School, we experienced an unforgettable day dedicated to strengthening empathy, inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. This activity took place in the SHALOM classroom, a space where our girls and boys voluntarily participated in a sensory experience that led them to discover the world from a different perspective.


A blindfolded activity
The children blindfolded themselves and, guided by teachers and companions from the SHALOM Group, explored their environment using only their senses of touch, hearing, taste and smell. This dynamic was designed to put them in the shoes of those who face the daily challenges of living without sight, helping them to better understand their reality and develop a greater sensitivity to their needs.
The power of colours beyond sight
The activity was inspired by The Black Book of Colours by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faría (Ediciones Tecolote, 2006), a work that invites us to reflect on how blind people can ‘see’ colours through the other senses. Through this book, the children learned that Tomás, the main character, does not need to see colours to experience them: he perceives them through their smells, textures, sounds and tastes.
For example, the children experienced the freshness and aroma of mint to imagine green, or the sweet taste of chocolate to evoke brown. This activity not only immersed them in Tomás’ sensory world, but also allowed them to reflect on how we perceive the world beyond sight.

Lessons in inclusion and mutual support
Through this activity, our students were able to understand how a blind person perceives and lives day-to-day life, creating a space for dialogue and shared learning. Beyond the sensory experience, the exercise strengthened fundamental values such as inclusion, respect and solidarity.
We are proud to know that this activity had a profound impact on our students, helping them to understand the importance of supporting and empathising with those who face realities different from their own. This type of experience reflects our commitment as an educational community to form people who are integral, sensitive and committed to others.
Fabian de Jesús Bárcenas Ramírez – SHALOM Group and teacher