Colombian college student Gabriela Alonso Jaramillo explains her country’s politics to the apolitical

In Colombia, Gabriela Alonso Jaramillo stands out as an exception in a society where political polarization is on the rise and youth voter turnout remains dishearteningly low. At just 23 years old, this public affairs and political science double major at the University of the Andes in Bogotá is the only one in her group of friends who actively engages with local and national politics. Her passion for understanding and explaining the political landscape of her country has led her to create a unique platform to connect with those who are apolitical, a sentiment she encountered firsthand in her own academic circle.

Alonso was taken aback when a classmate in her political science major expressed aspirations to be apolitical. "As someone who studies the same major, I wondered how she could say that," she recalled. This encounter sparked a realization that politics often feels inaccessible to many young people, and most politicians struggle to connect with them in a genuine and relatable manner.

To address this gap, Alonso launched a TikTok account called Política para apolíticos (Politics for the Apolitical), where she breaks down complex political concepts and current events in a clear and straightforward manner. Her goal is to demystify the workings of government and power in Colombia, making it more accessible to viewers who may not have previously been interested in politics.

Alonso's TikTok videos range from explaining the day's major news stories to detailing how institutions like the Supreme Court and Congress function. She draws on her own education in public affairs, emphasizing the importance of translating complex ideas into language that ordinary people can understand. "The first thing they tell us [in my public affairs major] is that you are going to govern for the people and you must understand that people don't understand exactly what you understand," she explained. "You have to find a way to translate for that person so they can understand what you are doing."

Today, Alonso's efforts have resonated with a significant audience, amassing nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok and 58,000 on Instagram. Her content serves as a testament to the potential of social media in bridging the gap between politicians and the public, particularly the younger generation.

In an era where news creators and influencers increasingly shape public perception, especially among younger demographics, Alonso's work highlights the importance of accessible and engaging political communication. By breaking down political concepts in a relatable and easy-to-understand format, she is not only educating her followers but also fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry in Colombia.

Alonso's journey from being alarmed by her classmate's apolitical stance to becoming a key figure in explaining Colombian politics to the apolitical underscores the potential of individuals like her to drive change. Through her TikTok account, she is not only addressing the challenges of political polarization and low voter turnout but also inspiring a new generation of Colombians to rediscover the importance of politics in their lives.

As Alonso continues to grow her online presence and expand her reach, her work serves as a reminder of the power of communication in shaping political engagement. By making complex political issues more accessible and approachable, she is paving the way for a more informed and participatory society in Colombia. Her story is a beacon of hope in a landscape where political disengagement seems to be the norm, showing that a single individual's passion for politics can inspire a broader shift towards greater civic engagement.