Serving vulnerable and remote communities

We are pleased to share a summary of our activities and achievements from the second quarter of 2025. This progress is a result of the collective effort of our staff, the administrative team, and the generosity of our donors, with the fundamental support of GlobalGiving.

Our work in the conflict-affected region of southern Colombia is a constant challenge, but one that is profoundly rewarding. Our decision to return to this at-risk area—at the request of the community and despite threats from organized crime—underscores the importance of our mission. Through the VITAL program, we continue to positively transform the lives of children and youth by providing hope and resilience through sports and education. These initiatives are contributing to lasting social change within the community.

EDUCATION

"Developing My Character" Program: A Transformative Impact in 2025

In 2025, our "Developing My Character" educational program, part of the VITAL Project, has reached more than 2,250 students from 6th to 11th grade in five key schools: Alvernia, Industrial, Santa Teresa, San Fernando, and El Poblado. The program has generated great enthusiasm, motivating children and youth to set personal goals and engage in meaningful discussions about ethics and moral values. Students especially value the interactive and playful format, which breaks the monotony of traditional instruction.

The program's impact is reflected in the positive feedback from principals and teachers, who report notable academic improvement, especially among students who have gone on to university and achieved higher scores on the national ICFES exams. Parents and school leaders have expressed their deep gratitude for the relevance of the content and the effectiveness of the methodology. In a region affected by drug trafficking and violence, the program has become a vital tool to reorient young people toward ethical values and a clear purpose for their lives.

Workshops for Parents: Strengthening Community Bonds

To complement our work in schools, we have continued with our Workshops for Parents. These sessions have seen active and growing participation, with parents often requesting individual counseling to address family and parenting-related challenges. This comprehensive support not only reinforces the program's principles at home but also strengthens community cohesion, creating an environment of mutual support and growth for everyone.

SCHOOL REINFORCEMENT

Academic Reinforcement and Comprehensive Support in Puerto Asís

We continue our weekly academic reinforcement classes and activities for 40 to 50 children and youth from Puerto Asís and 18 surrounding villages in the La Cabaña corridor. Our main focus is on Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, and English, though we also provide support in other academic subjects. Both parents and schools have shown great interest and are committed to student participation in the program.

The impact has been very positive, with the community expressing deep gratitude. They highlight how the program supplements the rural education system, which often lacks sufficient resources.

In addition to academic support, our sports activities remain a key motivational tool. Sports help children stay engaged, focus on their goals, and avoid falling into negative social dynamics. Together, these activities offer comprehensive support that strengthens both their academic performance and personal development.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE

Entrepreneurship and Leadership Initiative

Our weekly craft classes have brought together 20 to 25 children and youth, led by a special group of instructors: former beneficiaries of the Foundation's program since 2009. Now, as adults, they are part of our team as teachers and coaches.

These young people, who grew up with the Foundation, now run their own small business, selling the very same crafts they teach. Their story is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of our work—it shows how an early investment in youth can come full circle, benefiting the next generation. Their example is inspiring and motivating others in Putumayo to embrace entrepreneurship and build sustainable livelihoods.

SOCCER PROGRAM UPDATE

FC VITAL Soccer Program

In the second quarter of 2025, our FC VITAL soccer school and club has continued to expand its impact. We currently support around 170 children and youth in Puerto Asís and the village of La Cabaña. Demand has grown, especially within the Indigenous community and from families in the urban area, motivating us to find more coaches to expand our reach.

Season Highlights

Our U-8, U-10, U-11, U-12, and U-13 teams have actively participated in tournaments and friendly matches. A notable highlight was our trip to Ecuador for a sports exchange with a soccer school-club from our neighboring country. Additionally, our U-12 team proudly secured second place in a departmental tournament, while our other teams also achieved excellent participation and strong results.

Upcoming Events

We are now in full preparation for the upcoming VITAL Cup, a tournament we plan to host in September. This event will bring together soccer schools from Puerto Asís and nearby areas, providing a great opportunity for our young players' development. Our teams will also continue to compete in local championships.

Soccer as an Educational Tool

The soccer program remains a cornerstone of our educational strategy. We use sports as a powerful tool to instill discipline, reinforce values, and motivate children to stay engaged with their academic lives. Our goal is to develop happy, responsible adults who can make meaningful contributions to society. As always, ensuring the safety of our youth in this region remains our top priority.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

In early 2025, we conducted educational workshops on environmental sustainability for children and youth in the Colombian Amazon. These sessions promoted awareness of the local ecosystem and introduced Amazonian fruits unfamiliar to many participants. Despite their initial unfamiliarity, these fruits have important ecological and nutritional value.

We are committed to expanding this initiative throughout the year, aiming to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in young people. Our goal is to encourage the pursuit of environmentally sustainable livelihoods as an alternative to coca cultivation.

Gratitude

We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported the VITAL program’s continued success. Special thanks to GlobalGiving for making it possible to carry out our campaigns and programs. As we move through 2025, we are filled with hope and determination to continue making a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of children and youth in southern Colombia.

Gratitude and Looking to the Future

We are deeply grateful for your support, which has been crucial to the continued success of the VITAL Foundation's programs during this second quarter of 2025. A special thank you to GlobalGiving for making it possible to carry out our campaigns and programs.

As we move forward through the year, we are filled with hope and determination to continue making a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of children and youth in southern Colombia. Your support motivates us to keep going.

Give, and it will be given to you—and in abundance!

Thank you!

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