Gredos San Diego Cooperative Society

Gredos San Diego (GSD) is a worker cooperative involved in educational activities founded in 1985 in Madrid, Spain, by 18 teachers and non-teaching staff who sought to preserve their jobs after the closure of their previous workplace. The cooperative’s educational model is rooted in cooperative principles and values, aiming to improve education and, subsequently, lives. GSD offers a wide range of educational services, from infant education to vocational training, and has expanded to multiple locations in Madrid and internationally, including Costa Rica and Cameroon. The cooperative’s success is attributed to its democratic management structure, commitment to quality education and strong community engagement. Its growth has involved significant financial investment and negotiation with public institutions and has resulted in economic strength and positive social impact through job creation and community development. The cooperative’s success is encapsulated by its mission to transform society through education, exemplified by its award of the Silver Medal of the Community of Madrid in 2010.