Within the framework of the event “All Voices, One Network for Mental Health,” the University of Cauca was awarded, in the city of Bogotá, the 2025 National Award “Entity committed to the prevention of the use, abuse, and addiction to psychoactive substances, including alcohol,” a recognition granted by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection through the program of Law 1566 of 2012. This award highlights the institution’s work in promoting university Wellness and mental health, especially through innovative initiatives such as “Unicauca en Flow,” a space that combines urban art, freestyle, and rap with messages of self-care, coexistence, and purpose in life.

With the initiative “Unicauca en Flow,” implemented by the “Otherside” Program, under the guidance of psychologist Jorge Eduardo Vásquez, responsible for leading the coordination with the freestyle student collective known as “Training Day”, we were selected as winners. This award is the result of the teamwork of many individuals who managed to connect with the student community through words, rhymes, and art. For Vásquez, this recognition represents significant progress that contributes to the visibility of the program both within and beyond the University: “This award is very important because it allows more students to learn about and benefit from the activities we carry out. These spaces strengthen mental health, whether through therapy or through raising awareness about the consequences of psychoactive substance use. The idea is to continue growing and for the University to be recognized for this type of initiative,” he expressed with evident emotion.