Housing-rural girls with university scholarship

Gratitude towards donors and gratification for donating

Young women from the rural sector, belonging to a vulnerable population, with few resources, few possibilities of getting ahead and having professional training, are our beneficiaries. Our effort is intense but rewarding; Not only do we give them food and lodging but we also get them university scholarships.

It is a safe home, where the warmth of home is palpable and good habits are reinforced for a friendly, fraternal coexistence; This is how we manage to increase self-esteem as well as greater socio-emotional skills in these young women. The accommodation house is located 10 minutes walk from the university; Every day we see happy faces, they are responsible people who show their commitment and also their gratitude towards the donors and people who care for them. 

It is interesting to emphasize that the monthly income of a rural family is USD 150-200. A family in these economic conditions could never, NEVER  send a child to university and pay for a place to live.

Scholarships + accommodation: a big challenge but worth it, very very REWARDING!!! There are more women and families who are freed from the traps of poverty thanks to you, our DEAR DONORS!!!! It is very rewarding for those who donate.

Learn about the microproject that we will publish soon where you can get to know 2-3 of our students and donate specifically for them.

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:

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.