Fe y Alegria-Colombia is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971 aimed at promoting the social and economic development of the country’s most disadvantaged groups through high quality education and corresponding programs. The organization’s programs are sweeping, reaching approximately 80,000 children in total each year. Fe y Alegría-Colombia is a division of the international umbrella organization “La Federación Internacional de Fe y Alegría” with subsidiaries in 16 countries across the globe.
Fe y Alegría-Colombia integrates a network of 73 schools and 199 assistance centers; located in 123 distinct sites throughout the country. The organization takes a holistic approach to education focusing on both its formal and informal components. The formal element is comprised of preschools, schools, and vocational training. The informal components encompass programs of health and sexuality, community service, personal enrichment and recreational activities.
A major issue in Colombia’s educational system is the staggering number of students who drop out of school at a young age; therefore, not completing their secondary education. Unfortunately, for most, it is very unlikely they will return. The program “Aceleración del Aprendizaje” has shown to be effective in leveling the academic playing field of students who have been out of the school system for many years. The program’s methods allow this “catch-up” process to take place in one to two years; despite the fact these students’ peers may be as many as four or five years ahead of them academically.
With a grant from The Genesis Foundation, Fe y Alegría will be able to implement this greatly needed program in six classrooms in Cali, Manizales, and Medellin—giving 150 children and adolescents a second chance to excel in school and create a better life for themselves and their families.
For more information about this institution, or to make a direct contribution, please contact
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