Colombia

Growth 2025-

18

Girls Cared For

We began partnering with our Colombia native team in 2025, supporting their care of refugee families, children, and specifically, teen girls.

During three trips our executive director, Kirby Trapolino, has taken to Colombia with his church, he’s had the honor of building a bond with Pastor Mauricio and his wife, Isabelina, who coordinate several refugee outreach programs in Cúcuta, a city on Venezuela’s border.

Isabelina’s ministry, which Kirby has witnessed firsthand, is a sanctuary for young refugee girls facing immense hardships like teen pregnancy, poverty, and human trafficking risks.

The programs provide the following support:

EDUCATION

Our native Colombia team operates a school for 1st through 5th grade refugee students, many of whom are significantly behind in school due to their socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s not uncommon to see girls as old as 16 in grades lower than you would expect. Most local schools won’t accept older children into younger grades, but our team’s school does, giving these girls the opportunity to catch up and receive the education they deserve.

TRADE SCHOOL

Our native Colombia team also provides a trade school for the teen refugee girls in their program. The trade school is truly making a difference in the lives of these girls by teaching them valuable skills like crafting hair accessories, tailoring, and nail technician skills. The girls also receive tutoring for their schoolwork as needed. By providing them with skills and knowledge, the trade school is helping them build a better future for themselves and restoring hope in their lives.

SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL TRADITIONS

The quinceañera is a significant rite of passage for girls in Latin American culture, symbolizing the transition from childhood to womanhood. It’s a beautiful celebration and time-honored tradition that highlights the importance of family and community in a young woman’s life and holds immense value for girls and their families.

Unfortunately, many of the refugee girls enrolled in the program are unable to afford this important event. That’s where we come in. By providing these girls with the opportunity to experience a quinceañera, we are not only honoring their cultural heritage but also bringing joy and support to both them and their families.

Read recent stories of impact from our Colombia programs:

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