Education Colombia Project #35164

Creating a haven for kids through football and art

by Fundacion Tiempo de Juego

Creating a haven for kids through football and art

Summary

Santa Marta is located on the Caribbean coast in Colombia. The region is marked by 50 years of military conflict and 32% of the population live in poverty (less than 90 US$/ month). More than 80% of the 7,000 people living in the neighborhood "La Lucha" have been displaced by violence. Schooling and other opportunities to make productive use of free time are missing. This makes the population vulnerable to joining gangs and to teenage pregnancies.The rate of domestic violence is alarmingly high.

$25,000
total goal

$16,565
remaining

15
donors

0
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

6
years

Challenge

The neighborhood "La Lucha" is located in the south of Santa Marta, on the Caribbean coast. The region is marked by 50 years of military conflict in Colombia. More than 80% of the 7,000 people living in La Lucha have been displaced by violence. Schooling and other opportunties to make productive use of free time are missing. This makes the population more vulnerable to joining gangs and teenage pregnancies, 30% of residents are thought to suffer from drug addiction.

Solution

Tiempo de Juego in Santa Marta seeks to bring about the productive use of free time among children and young people. The organization works to distance them from the challenges that surround them, by educating them using strategies such as sports and cultural activities. Tiempo de Juego uses soccer as its main intervention tool to address social problems, given the sport's capacity to bring people together and its pedagogical possibilities. It applies the rules of 'football for peace' (FIFA)

Long-Term Impact

TdJ uses futbol, music and dance as tools to transform communities and to train children to be agents of change in their own neighborhood. It aims to create a sustainable project where children will be trained and mentored so that in time they themselves can deliver classes to younger children in their own community. TdJ develops life skills, promotes values, and enables children and young people to use their free time in a responsible and conscientious manner, generating a positive impact.