By MARY LUZ GARCIA PENUELA | Institutional Wellbeing Coordination at ICSEF
Starting a new academic semester at ICSEF!
For the second semester of 2023, we have welcomed 24 residents at the accommodation center from various departments across the country, including Cundinamarca, Santander, Cesar, Bolívar, Tolima, Caldas, and Cauca. Most of these residents hail from rural areas, belong to vulnerable populations, have limited resources, and few opportunities for professional training.
In preparation for receiving these students and with the generous donations received during the GlobalGiving campaign on July 12, we have undertaken the following activities:
- Adaptation of rooms (including the purchase of pillows, duvets, and mattress covers).
- Provision of 6 pieces of furniture for the study area.
- Repainting the dining room, facade railings, and the ceiling of the main corridor.
- Veneering kitchen countertops.
- Addressing roof leaks.
- Adapting the pipes on the third and second floors in the bathrooms.
One of our residents, Estefanía, who is 18 years old, shares her experience:
"I come from Inza, Cauca, and I belong to an indigenous reservation. This is the first time I've left my home. I am studying Hotel and Services Administration. I reside at the El Rocío accommodation center, where I have learned to live with girls from different parts of the country, getting to know their cultures and customs, which has significantly contributed to my personal development. I am excited to return this semester because I have noticed remarkable improvements in the accommodation center, such as the fresh paint, new furniture, and kitchen upgrades, all made possible thanks to your generous donations."These students come to El Rocío with the confidence of having a dignified life while working towards their future at ICSEF. Some of them are studying Gastronomy, while others are pursuing a career in Hospitality. This university accommodation house aims to provide them with a comfortable, clean, safe living space, along with healthy meals and basic services (electricity, water, gas, internet).
The students were welcomed to El Rocio and accompanied permanently by Patricia, who is responsible for managing the accommodation center. She supports their training processes, ensures residents adhere to agreed schedules, and takes charge in case of health emergencies, in addition to overseeing the organization of household chores, including cleaning, food preparation, and equipment and infrastructure maintenance.
We have taken on a significant challenge in our mission to continue supporting more women from various regions of Colombia who are in need. While we acknowledge that we have a long road ahead, we are confident that, with the continued support of donors like you, we can achieve our goals. These donations truly transform the lives of women who never imagined they could pursue a professional career. Today, they can, thanks to your incredible generosity.
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