Scholarship Pot: A Safety Fund for Scholars

When we learned Diana’s story, we quickly understood why her name resonated so strongly during the scholarship selection process. Diana is not only a young woman with dreams; she is someone who, despite immense challenges, has chosen to move forward with hope.

She always carries a smile, even though her life has been marked by circumstances that would cause many to give up: a mother living with a rare illness requiring constant medical procedures, and a father who, despite the consequences of an accident, works tirelessly to support the family. Yet rather than holding her back, these experiences have shaped in Diana a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and resilience.

Jeremy’s journey carries a similar strength. When our staff first met him, they saw him singing and dancing, even though he insisted he was not good at either. They saw him surrounded by friends while claiming he was not sociable, and quietly supporting others in moments of vulnerability despite insisting he did not feel things deeply. These contradictions revealed the depth of who he truly is: a vibrant young person shaped by discipline, sensitivity, and quiet courage.

Throughout his time in our youth leadership group, Jeremy consistently stepped toward discomfort and growth. He helped direct and perform in two theatre productions, contributed creative ideas, built technical and physical scores, and engaged thoughtfully in reflection circles. After the group’s second production, he told staff, “I think the mask finally broke.”

Both Diana and Jeremy embody what Children Change Colombia seeks to support: young people committed to their education, their communities, and the possibility of transforming their realities. Diana has become a leading voice within her community and is now studying Systems Engineering at Areandina University thanks to the support of Children Change Colombia and its allies. Jeremy has also begun his undergraduate studies in Software Engineering, carrying with him the same resilience and determination that have defined his journey so far.

Their stories are different, but together they reflect exactly why scholarships matter. Beyond access to university, they represent opportunity, dignity, confidence, and the chance for young people to imagine futures beyond the limitations they have faced. They remind us that when young people are supported, believed in, and given the tools to grow, their potential can reach far beyond themselves and create lasting impact within their communities.

Links:

• Meet other scholars - Dennis and Keiner