By Margarita Borda and Eduardo Ospina | Project Leader
EIGHT YEARS TRANSFORMING THE LANDSCAPE WITH DON BOSCO
On September 27th, we celebrated with gratitude and hope the eighth anniversary of the Sustainable Panorama Foundation – PASO – a Salesian project transforming lives in the Panorama neighborhood of Neiva. Inspired by the legacy of Don Bosco, we reaffirm our commitment to the most vulnerable youth and families, sowing opportunities where once there was only hardship.
This initiative began in 2017 thanks to the vision of Salesian priest Jaime García, along with Marco Fidel Benavides and Vicente Maidhof, and has been strengthened by alumni of San Medardo School and other Salesian institutions. Today, PASO is a living testament to what can be achieved when faith is put into action.
Education with a Salesian Spirit
Guided by Don Bosco's Preventive System, we promote a holistic education based on love, reason, and faith. As lay Salesians, we live out our vocation within the Colombian context, prioritizing ongoing formation and personal and social transformation. Our purpose is to form "good Christians and honest citizens," working with the poorest, most abandoned, and at-risk youth, as well as with working-class communities.
Art that Transforms
We currently support 85 vulnerable children who find in PASO an opportunity to develop their musical talent in an environment lacking specialized centers.
The theater, led by Professor Alejandro Mejía, has sparked children's imaginations with plays such as Puss in Boots, Romeo and Juliet, The Wizard of Oz, and soon, Alice in Wonderland. These performances have strengthened reading habits, improved academic performance, and revealed the creative potential of our youth.
Panorama, the First Bilingual Neighborhood
Thanks to the “First Bilingual Neighborhood” program, supported by the YES Institute and Open English, 60 children are receiving English language training. Of these, 13 study at the YES Institute, 10 at Open English Junior, and 37 more receive classes in the Panorama neighborhood. The OE Junior program, aimed at children between 8 and 14 years old, offers live classes for a year, while the YES Institute welcomes those who wish to consolidate their learning.
To date, we have awarded 13 English scholarships to young people from the YES Institute so they can share their knowledge in their communities, and 10 more scholarships to children in the OE Junior program. In addition, we support 16 students in Salesian schools and 1 university student, strengthening the educational path of those who need it most.
A Community Growing with Love
Families, educators, and PASO administrators meet regularly to strengthen bonds of trust, respect, and collaboration. These gatherings promote civic values and foster a participatory, supportive, and resilient community.
Commitment to Sustainability
In the first ten months of 2025, we made significant progress in environmental education, the arts, and bilingualism, demonstrating that every action counts in building a more just and sustainable world.
Looking to the Future
In 2026, we reaffirm our mission: to transform communities and lives through culture, art, and respect for the environment.
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