Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena

by Fundacion Betania Juvenil
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena
Transforming The Lives of Children in Cartagena

Project Report | Feb 9, 2025
Transforming Lives: 2024 Year-End Report

By Jorge Perea | Head of International Relations

Kid Enjoying Breakfast
Kid Enjoying Breakfast

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Looking back on 2024, we are grateful for the impact we’ve made together. Thanks to your support, we provided education, nutrition, and opportunities for children and families in vulnerable situations.

We served 16,500 nutritious breakfasts, ensuring children started their day ready to learn. Our family strengthening program provided home visits and workshops to improve caregiver-child relationships.

Through reading programs, children explored books like A Horse Named Pandoro, while our art workshops encouraged creativity and self-esteem. In academic support, students strengthened their skills in math, reading, and writing through interactive learning, and our English Workshop introduced them to basic communication skills.

Johan’s Story: Overcoming the Odds

One of the year’s most inspiring moments was Johan’s graduation from elementary school—a milestone that once seemed out of reach.

Johan struggled with low academic performance, lack of motivation, difficulty completing homework, and poor reading comprehension. His future in school was uncertain.

With the support of our guided homework program, Johan regained confidence, engaged in learning, and worked toward his goal. Expressing his gratitude, he said:

"Teacher, thank you so much for your help. I’m going to graduate. I want you to come to my graduation."

Johan’s journey is proof that, with the right support, children can overcome challenges and succeed.

National Recognition: A Spotlight on Our Work

In 2024, one of the country’s leading national TV networks featured our work, selecting us as a partner to distribute 375 meals to families in need as part of their social responsibility efforts. This recognition underscored our impact and the trust placed in us to serve our community.

Watch the full report as it aired on national television herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSZnxGQrufo.

Expanding Our Mission: University Preparation for Our Students

Six years ago, we began working with elementary school children, providing a safe space to learn and grow. Now, some of those children are on the verge of applying for university.

Our mission is holistic transformation, ensuring students don’t just receive support as children but also have pathways to higher education. In 2025, we are launching a university preparation program to help them compete for scholarships and access quality education. This includes:

  • University preparation courses to strengthen academic skills and guide career choices.
  • Pre-ICFES training, ensuring students achieve high scores on national exams—equivalent to the SAT (USA) or A-Levels (UK)—increasing their chances of university admission and scholarships.
  • Mentorship and guidance, supporting students through the application process.

How You Can Help
This is a new initiative, and we need your support. If you would like to directly contribute to these students’ success, we will allocate resources toward their exam preparation, tuition, and academic materials.

In the coming months, we will introduce some of these students and share their stories. With the right support, their dreams of higher education can become a reality.

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025

As we enter the new year, we are focused on expanding our impact. Our key goals for 2025 include:

  • Providing daily breakfasts for at least 80 children, ensuring they receive proper nutrition to thrive.
  • Launching our university preparation program, equipping students with the tools to compete for scholarships and higher education.
  • Improving reading comprehension, helping children not just read, but truly understand and analyze texts.

Additionally, we are progressing on a construction project for a future facility, allowing us to serve more children and families. More details will be shared soon.

Your Support Makes the Difference

Every milestone, every graduation, and every success story is possible with your help.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Together, we are building a future where more children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Girl Enjoying Breakfast
Girl Enjoying Breakfast
Delivering 375 meals on national TV
Delivering 375 meals on national TV
Johan Reading a Book
Johan Reading a Book
Johan with His Family
Johan with His Family
Educational Tour of Emblematic Places in Cartagena
Educational Tour of Emblematic Places in Cartagena
Christmas Gift Distribution
Christmas Gift Distribution
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Oct 20, 2024
A Season of Growth and Learning

By Jorge Perea | Head of International Relations

Jun 23, 2024
Smiling Creativity

By Jorge Perea | Head of International Relations

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Organization Information

Fundacion Betania Juvenil

Location: Cartagena, Bolivar - Colombia
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Project Leader:
Jaime Baldiris
Cartagena , Bolivar Colombia
$148,279 raised of $194,380 goal
 
376 donations
$46,101 to go
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