Argentina stands out as one of the most co-operative-minded countries in South America, with a number of co-ops emerging as a response to crises over the decades.
But it is also unique in how it embeds co-operation into the formal national curriculum. The country’s cooperativas escolares (school co-operatives) have a long history, which can be traced to 1946 legislation that formally established the teaching of co-operativism and the creation of school co-operatives.
Rather than being a fringe or extracurricular activity, these initiatives are recognised as a pedagogical tool integrated into the curriculum across subjects. The explicit goal is not profit or practical skills, but the development of citizens, democratic participation, and an education based on values.
Students genuinely run these co-operatives, which can range from food production and recycling to technology, media, and community commerce. They elect boards, manage finances and hold assemblies, with teachers acting as advisors.
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