Socorro Freire Enríquez (Riobamba, October 27, 1953) is an Ecuadorian writer, poet, and educator known for her contributions to literature and education. She holds advanced degrees in pedagogy and educational management, and has served as a professor and literacy advocate at the Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo. A recipient of numerous literary awards, including the Benjamín Carrión Prize, she has published poetry, essays, and short stories in works such as “Voces Azules a Vuelo de Pájaro”. She is also the founder of the Association of Contemporary Writers of Ecuador and an active member of international literary organizations.
Early Life and Education
Socorro Freire Enríquez was born in Riobamba, Ecuador, to a musical family. Her father, Martiniano Freire Rodríguez, was a talented musician, while her mother, Alba Alicia Enríquez Narváez, a Colombian with a beautiful voice, was known for inventing verses when she forgot song lyrics. This early exposure to music and poetry had a profound impact on her life. Socorro grew up in Chambo, a small town where she spent her childhood under the light of the moon, enjoying traditional games and musical gatherings with friends and family.
Freire attended a rural school, laying the foundation for her lifelong passion for literacy and pedagogy. Her academic journey led her to pursue higher education, where she obtained a Licentiate in Education with a specialization in Spanish Language and Literature from the Universidad Central del Ecuador, Riobamba Extension, in 1975. She later earned a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Educational Management from the Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES) in 2000. In 2012, she completed a Master’s degree in Pedagogy from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja.
Literary Career
Socorro Freire Enríquez has made significant contributions to Ecuadorian literature, particularly in poetry, storytelling, essays, and theater. She is the President and Founder of the Association of Contemporary Writers of Ecuador, and a member of several literary organizations, including the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana and the Society of Hispanic American Writers. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her dedication to promoting literature and reading comprehension.
Her notable publications include:
- “Voces Azules a Vuelo de Pájaro” – A compilation of essays, short stories, theater, and legends.
- “Calíope Desnuda” – A poetic anthology featuring prominent poets from Argentina, Spain, and other countries.
Freire has won various national and international awards in literature, including:
- First Prize for Poetry and First Prize for Short Story in Ecuador.
- “Benjamín Carrión” Award, granted by the Casa de la Cultura Núcleo de Chimborazo.
- Retama de Oro in poetry.
- First Prize in the “Sol de Barro” Short Story Competition.
- Recognition from the Academy of Arts in Goiás, Brazil.
She has also contributed to international literary magazines and anthologies, including the Revista Nacional Loja Grita Arte and the Spanish publication Espacio del Poeta.
Academic and Professional Contributions
With a career spanning 38 years, Socorro Freire Enríquez has been a dedicated educator, particularly in the fields of language and literature. She worked as a teacher at the Instituto Técnico Superior Puruha de Quimiag from 1976 to 1989 and at the Unidad Educativa Amelia Gallegos Díaz from 1989 until her retirement in 2014. She also served as the Director of the Language Area at Amelia Gallegos and was involved in various literary and educational publications.
Her work in education extended beyond the classroom as she became a respected figure in literacy training. Freire participated in international reading comprehension congresses in Brazil and Mexico, where she presented research and gave lectures. Under her leadership, the Unidad Educativa Amelia Gallegos Díaz won first prize at the national level and received a global mention in a letter-writing contest in Switzerland.
Recognitions and Accolades
Throughout her career, Freire has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to literature and education. In addition to the Benjamín Carrión Award, she has received recognition from the Academy of Letters and Arts of the Northeast Goiano, Brazil, and has been a guest of honor at various literary events. She was nominated for the Rita Lecumberri National Teacher Award in 2013 by the Unidad Educativa Amelia Gallegos Díaz and was conferred the title of Visitante Ilustre by the Municipal Council of Formosa, Goiás, Brazil, in 2013.
Legacy
Socorro Freire Enríquez has left an indelible mark on Ecuadorian culture through her literary works and dedication to education. As the Founder of the Rondalla of Chimborazo, she has promoted both musical and literary traditions in the region. Her works continue to inspire future generations, and her contributions to both the literary world and education are widely recognized in Ecuador and beyond.
In recent years, she has remained active in literary circles, serving as Ecuador’s representative to the Council of Folklore of America and continuing to publish and engage with cultural initiatives. Freire’s lifelong passion for the arts—both music and literature—remains a central theme in her work, reflecting the deep personal connection she shares with her family’s creative heritage.
Selected Works
- Voces Azules a Vuelo de Pájaro (2012)
- Calíope Desnuda (Date not available)
- Caminos de Colibrí (2016)
- Palabra de la Casa (2015)
- Apreciación Estética a la Obra del Poeta Luis Machado (2015)
- Apreciación Poética en el Libro “Niño y el Monstruo” (2015)
- Antología Poética de Chimborazo (1999)
- Canto a Chambo (Date not available)
- Figuras Estelares de Chimborazo: Leopoldo Freire (Date not available)
- Un Verano Sin Ti (Date not available)
- Palabritas de Canguil (Date not available)
References
- COFFAR – Congreso de Familiares de Autores Republicanos. “Socorro Freire Enríquez – Biografía” (Accessed: September 25, 2024).
- La Prensa, Riobamba. “La música y la literatura le dan vida” (Accessed: September 25, 2024).
- COFFAM – Consejo Folklórico de América. “Hoja de Vida – Socorro Freire Enríquez” (Accessed: September 25, 2024).