Location: Santander, Colombia

Fundación Colombo-Alemana “Volver a Sonreir” is a private, nonprofit organization operating in the community of Floridablanca, Santander since 2001.  The organization seeks to provide opportunities to displaced children ages 2-6, as well as their families, who do not have access to the necessary services to ensure their basic development.  As part of its program, it operates a school ‘Gymnasio Ria Nicole’ in which children receive preschool and elementary education, nutritional and psychological support, and other high quality services at little or no cost. Families of these children are also benefited with multiple services.    

The increase in the number of displaced families and children with few opportunities for a quality education and basic services, encouraged “Volver a Sonreir” to expand its programs for elementary school students, as well as to include dental treatment  and an after-school program for children aged 8 to 17. 

Genesis has been supporting this project since 2006, covering operational expenses of the school “Gymnasio Ria Nicole” to provide the children comprehensive services such as education, nutritional support and health so that they can improve their living conditions.