Colombia 2025

Our Experiences and Projects

In early February, we traveled once again to the rural communities of Milagros and La Unión in Colombia- this time with a special mission. Together with Jacob, a friend of our organization and a professional videographer, we aimed to capture the lives of the people in these communities: their deep connection to nature, their daily routines, and the challenges they face. One question in particular moved us deeply- what do wealth and fulfillment mean to the people here? Their answers offered us a profound perspective on what truly matters in life and how priorities shift when material possessions and luxury play little to no role. The filming with Jacob (Instagram: @watsonearthproductions) was a great success, and we are excited to share the final result with you soon!

Alongside the film project, our ongoing initiatives remained a key focus. We revisited the schools in Milagros and La Unión, where a total of 20 children of different ages are currently receiving education. One of the highlights of our trip was meeting the two dedicated teachers, Karen and Miguel, who are doing incredible work. Their commitment is especially admirable, knowing that life in the campo is also a new and challenging experience for them.

Thanks to the many conversations and the duration of our stay, we were able to get to know the children better and develop an even deeper understanding of what the schools are lacking and where support is most needed. The most urgent needs include materials such as books, notebooks, tables, and chairs. We are committed to making a difference here – and you can help us!

With your donation, you can make the children’s school day easier and contribute to providing them with better and more diverse educational opportunities.

Workshop Niñas Sabias

One of the highlights of our trip was the “Niñas Sabias” workshop, which we were able to fund thanks to your support. Led by Diana, an experienced yoga teacher, the workshop addressed important questions about the female body, menstruation, and sexuality—topics that are still considered taboo in many rural communities like Paya, with little to no education available. Through multiple sessions, accompanied by rituals and ceremonies, the girls received essential knowledge in a creative and interactive way, while also having a safe space for exchange. It was incredibly moving for us to be part of this experience, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from children, parents, and teachers reinforced how vital these initiatives are. If you’d like to learn more about the workshop and Diana’s work, click here.

Lorena’s Work with the Students

Lorena, a speech therapist we were able to bring on board for the schools last year, was also present during our stay. In one-on-one sessions, she worked with students on concentration and reading exercises, helping them with language-related challenges. Some of the children struggle significantly with speech or maintaining focus for longer periods. Lorena provides them with practical tools to overcome these obstacles and learn with greater confidence.

Our Collaboration with Salud a la Escuela

We were also able to organize a visit from Salud a la Escuela to conduct vision tests for the children. After a brief introduction on how to properly use glasses and their benefits, all the children were examined—with the result that eight of them, as well as two teachers, will need glasses in the future. Thanks to your support, we can cover the costs, helping to improve not only the students’ school experience but also their overall well-being in the long run. Would you like to learn more about the vision tests and the work of Salud a la Escuela? Click here.

During our two-week stay, we once again lived with Doña Rosa, with whom we have developed a special friendship over time. Four of her nine children still live with her in Milagros, and we had the privilege of experiencing their daily lives—spending evenings playing cards together, taking trips to the waterfall, playing soccer, and visiting family at a remote river. The time we shared with Rosa and her children, Yimena, Jason, Alexis, and Maikol, touched us deeply. We remain in close contact with Doña Rosa and her children and are grateful to support them in any way we can.

Challenges in Paya

In addition to the benefits of living in harmony with nature, the daily lives of many families in rural areas like Paya are marked by significant challenges. Unemployment is widespread, and the lack of economic opportunities often leads to difficult living conditions. In many households, alcohol dependency is a major issue, affecting not only those directly struggling with it but also their entire families. Children grow up in an environment shaped by uncertainty and tension, often lacking safe spaces and support systems that could provide them with stability. While we cannot take these burdens away from the families, we are grateful to be able to support some of them in other ways and help make their daily lives a little easier.

After these intense two weeks, saying goodbye was not easy. We will deeply miss the children at the schools, the families in the community, and especially Doña Rosa and her children. At the same time, we feel incredibly grateful for all the meaningful encounters and experiences that have once again reminded us of what truly matters.

A huge thank you also goes to our partners at ABC Colombia, who supported us throughout the entire journey with organization and communication. Thanks to you, the filming and projects were carried out smoothly and successfully!

The rural communities of Milagros and La Unión in Paya are truly unique places. The people there live simply, have limited access to the internet, and maintain a deep connection to nature. Many rely on horses and mules alongside motorcycles for transportation. They grow a large portion of their own food and raise animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. However, living in the heart of nature also comes with challenges—medical care is limited, and access to quality education or specialized professionals is often lacking. Yet, one thing stands out: the strength of the community. In our conversations, it became clear how much strength people draw from knowing they can rely on one another and be surrounded by caring and supportive neighbors.

These two weeks in Paya filled us with joy, and we are deeply grateful to work alongside so many wonderful people.