Give at-risk Colombian children a safe home

In a country like ours where only 45% of the population in age of access to higher education can do so, we want to share with you a story to hold together an achievement recently obtained by one of our youth: His entry to the Universidad Piloto de Colombia to study psychology. Fundación Niños de los Andes recognises that education is the main tool for tackling inequality, violence and poverty.

With six brothers, Luis David* (22) grew up to 10 years in a home with a father with severe alcohol problems and a sick mother who could barely feed her children; on several occasions he had to steal to bring food for all of them. The situation worsened and his parents in the desperation to get sustenance, committed illegal acts that led them to prison. He and his brothers were taken to state protection homes, where they spent part of his childhood and adolescence. The absence of his family at a teen ayer, led him to a depressive crisis which paved away for drugs consumption, but with the support of his eldest brother managed to overcome it. Since then he dreamed of studying psychology.

Since his arrival to St. Patrick's home, he was characterized by their extroverted, creative character and excellent interpersonal relationships. After his bachelor’s degree, the Foundation initiated a process to find a scholarship but was impossible since he was overage and did not meet the requirements. By the time his dream was frustrated but his positive attitude remained firm n his dream.

In his persistence to find a scholarship, he told about his dream to one of our benefactors, who were visiting our headquarters. "My dream is to study organizational psychology, because I like working with people, I love the idea of creating projects, search profiles required by the company and find the right person for each position who  can perform optimally, guaranteeing wellbeing and improving their life quality "  Luis David *said. Caroline, who works in France with an association, formed by a group of committed people who have helped the Foundation for morethan15years, brought his story and managed to get the money to finance the first two semesters. Today, Luis David* has successfully finished 4 months of disciplined study at the University.

We asked him for a few words for this report. He said: Currently I live in St. Patrick’s home where I feel welcomed and protected.  I am also very grateful for all the support they give me to continue with my life project.  I want to be a good father and a great husband but first of all I want to be happy, end my career of psychology, practicing my skills in a work that allows me, I want to get married and have two beautiful children, and to be an example for my brothers, motivating them to help our mother."

Thanks to the contributions of our benefactors, from 30 young people who currently we serve on St. Patrick, 8 young are linked to higher education programs,  technical and technological, and 4 of them are preparing (pro bono) their state tests in the Universidad de los Andes, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country.

We encourage you to continue being part of this uplifting project, helping these young people achieve their dreams through equal and quality education.

*His name has been changed for protecting his identity.