By Camila Urbina | Communication Leader
In our day to day work we use sports and the arts to promote healthy use of free time in children and adolescents that are risk of being put to work or leaving school. Through this after school activities we show both the students and their family the importance of education, sports and the art, and how they can transform their future.
In the at-risk neighborhood of Cuidad Bolivar in the outskirts of Bogota and thanks to your generosity and support, a local Taekwondo Tournament took place with little representatives from 3 local schools. These 3 institutions were selected based on the children's performance on their weekly workshops. This wonderful opportunity gave children the opportunity to interact with other martial arts students from their community promoted healthy competition and more importantly have fun.
The competitors also had activities reflecting on the importance of exercise, commitment, respect and discipline. At the end of the tournament everyone got a personalize medal, highlighting their best qualities as competitors and human beings, and new belts for reaching their corresponding new levels, highlighting their good behavior and constant training.
Meanwhile, thanks to your generous donations, at the other side of Colombia, in the pacific region of Cesar everything was song and dance aimed to promote respect, self-esteem and keep boys and girls away from street work. 30 boys and girls belonging to the Culture Club of the local school participated in the talent show and artistic demonstration entitles “The Dances of My Region”
The children and teens have been attending the dance lessons weekly for the past year, as a way to use their free time in a healthy way and developing their abilities and talents. 6 different choreographies were created by different group of students with a very special theme: “Respeting our bodies and respecting women”. Through dance the children and teens presented their work to the entire academic communities and their parents, strengthening their team work abilities, responsibility and respect.
The population were this school is located has some difficulty with children working on the street and this program allow them to be educated and protected about their right and ultimately keep them away from dangerous child labor. The dances were a way to raise awareness on the importance of respecting and protecting their bodies, and the presentation and talent show help they strengthen their self-esteem and sense of worth.
We invite you to share our work and tell your family and friends that they can also help us transform life opportunities for thousands of children in Colombia
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