Following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake on August 10, 2026, many schools and colleges were impacted or destroyed in the regions of Choco, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Caldas. This project helps students at risk of fully disrupting their education by providing them with access to STEM-based education that will strengthen key foundational competencies like literacy, numeracy and critical thinking, and specialized bootcamp-based training in cybersecurity, data analysis or cloud computing.
The educational ecosystem in the hardest-hit territories was severely disrupted. Educational institutions are suffering from critical infrastructure damages and weakened operational capacity, making it difficult for children and youth to continue their education. Prolonged disruption can weaken students' connection to education, increase drop-out, and further socioeconomic inequalities. Keeping students connected to learning while institutions recover is essential to protecting their futures.
Makaia will help youth continue learning while their institutions recover by providing two STEM-based learning opportunities: 1. STEM Talent Incubator: students will be equipped with critical thinking, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and socioemotional skills. 2. BeTek Bootcamp: for post-secondary students, Makaia will provide scholarships to participate in technical training in data analysis, cloud computing or cybersecurity. Job intermediation activities will also be provided.
The project will help prevent earthquake-related educational disruption from becoming a long-term educational exclusion. By keeping young people connected to learning through STEM-based training, we will support continued education, reduce dropout risks, and mitigate further socioeconomic disparities. Ultimately, this project promotes education even during challenging times like these, as it enables youth to build more resilient futures for themselves and their communities.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
