In the diverse and culturally rich landscape of Colombia, a remarkable educational initiative, known as ‘Programa Amparo’ (Amparo Programme), has been making significant strides. Originating from the Redcol family of schools, this project encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at giving back to local communities through educational scholarships.

Background of the Initiative

The inception of the project traces back to 2010 following a devastating flood near one of the Redcol schools in Colombia. Witnessing the adversity faced by the local community, which had limited resources to begin with, the school’s leadership, under the guidance of the founder, Mrs. Amparo Vesga, decided to take action. This compassion led to the creation of the ‘Programa Amparo’, a scholarship programme designed to provide educational opportunities to children from underserved backgrounds.

Scope and Reach

Today, the project proudly supports 350 students across nine Redcol schools, providing them with full scholarships that cover not only tuition but also uniforms, transportation, school supplies, and additional educational support. The recipients, from low-income families, are given a chance to change their narrative through education, starting from as young as six or seven years old.

Challenges and Adaptations

Initially, the project faced challenges in integrating students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds. The stark contrast between the lives of the scholarship recipients and their classmates highlighted a need for a more holistic approach to support. The project adapted by not only providing educational opportunities but also by assisting families economically, enabling them to transition from informal work to more stable income sources, thus fostering community development.

Educational and Community Impact

The impact of Programa Amparo extends beyond individual academic success. It has fostered a community-oriented mindset among students, who learn the importance of giving back to their communities. The project also emphasises the development of leadership and social responsibility, preparing students to be agents of change in their respective environments.

Looking Forward

The future is focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Plans include partnering with more NGOs to identify families who can benefit the most from the programme and increasing the number of scholarships offered annually. Through continuous support and development, Programa Amparo aims to create a sustainable model of community empowerment through education.

Oscar Mauricio Rey Vesga, Director of the Impact Programme in Colombia, has proudly shared; “Our belief is steadfast: true power lies not just in the conception of the idea but in its execution and amplification. Consequently, our unwavering focus is on expanding our reach to approximately 600 students—a figure that, when viewed individually, equates to an entire school fully funded by our initiative.”

Conclusion

Programa Amparo stands as a testament to the power of education as a transformative tool for communities. It highlights how strategic interventions, rooted in empathy and support, can uplift entire communities, offering a brighter future for children in Colombia.

Find out more about the Redcol Impact Programme here and meet Karina, one of the outstanding students from New Cambridge School in Colombia, who has benefitted from the Amparo Programme in this short video. Additionally, learn more about how this outreach initiative contributes to our sustainability strategy in our latest Sustainability Report, found here.