COLOMBIA PODCAST EPISODES
Camila Cooper is the Founder and Executive Director of la Fundación Fruto Bendito, a non-profit organization working to support and protect early childhood. The Foundation offers cribs and supplies for newborns, as well as workshops for new mothers. They believe that everyone, regardless of their life circumstances, deserves to be educated with love and opportunities. Participate with donations and/or workshops: www.fundacionfrutobendito.org
Greg Meletta, the Founder of SWAP - Surfing with a Purpose, volunteered for 2 weeks with Amigos Del Mar. The SWAP Foundation provided surfing, skating, art, and English workshops, as well as donated top-of-the-line surfing and skateboarding equipment to Amigos del Mar, for participating children. Discover ways people partner to make a difference in the world and how you can be a part! Volunteer & bring English, art, skating, and/or surfing supplies! @swap_foundation https://amigosdelmar.org
Join us to hear from Lila Lopez, the Founder and Director of Fundación Julie, with Sara Medina, the Communications Director. This Foundation aims to uplift the quality of life of teenage girls in vulnerable situations. They offer a holistic program of leadership development and academic support, in prevention of teenage pregnancy and empowering girls through educational workshops. Volunteers can support girls with their academic and recreational skills. www.fundacionjulie.org
Lavinia Fiori is the Director of Mejor Planeta = A Better Planet. Based on the Rosario Islands, off of Cartagena, this Foundation is dedicated to education for sustainable development. It is inspired by the principles of learning by doing – to live the difference you want to see in the world. You may stay at their Eco-friendly hostel: El Hamaquero (https://elhamaquero.co) to experience the power of participating in coral reef preservation through a Better Planet: http://mejorplaneta.com.co
Based in Bogota, Natalia Jimenez, started as a volunteer 8 years ago, and is now the Director of Somos Capazes, working in marginalized communities to educate youth with conflict management and resolution skills. They use experiential methods, recreational activities and reflection, to bring about peace in their environment and develop future leaders. https://www.somoscapazes.org
Jenny Linares is the Founder & Director of Fundación Lideres Monarca / Monarch Leaders Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Bogota, seeking to transform the lives of children and young people in some of the most vulnerable conditions. They offer art, reading, English, and cooking workshops, empowering children with skills for life. Volunteer your talents in support of transforming young peoples’ lives. https://fundacionlideresmonarca.org
Lala Lovera is the Executive Director of Comparte (por una Vida Colombia), a non-profit organization that contributes to the stabilization of mixed migratory flows and host communities. Their comprehensive model focuses on education, human rights, welfare, inclusion and social integration of Venezuelans in Colombia. www.cpuvcolombia.org
Fundación Bahía y Ecosistemas de Colombia is a non-profit conserving the Bay of Cartagena. They combat sea plastic pollution, address climate change, and empower women through plastic recycling. Volunteer for a beach cleanup on Tierra Bomba: https://fundacionbahia.org
Bladimir Basabe Sánchez launched Salvemos Varadero in 2016 to promote awareness and preservation of the first "Hope Spot" in the Caribbean, the Coral Reef ecosystem near Cartagena, Colombia. If you're passionate about diving or snorkeling, support the movement and learn more about reef preservation: https://missionblue.org/hope-spots/ and https://www.youtube.com/@salvemosvaradero/videos
Discover how Green Apple, a non-profit on Tierra Bomba near Cartagena, addresses recycling, sustainability, and employment. With 15 employees, they've recycled over 250 tons of waste, partnering with local restaurants for composting and glass recycling. Explore ongoing community projects: https://www.greenapplecartagena.com
Granitos De Paz, founded in 2014, tackles extreme poverty in Cartagena through pillars like education, income generation, housing, sports, and health. Led by Martha Mogollón, the organization addresses challenges like drugs and prostitution with programs such as early childhood education and urban gardening. Support their impactful work through Friends for Colombia: http://www.friendsforcolombia.org | https://granitosdepaz.org.co
Friends for Colombia, a U.S.-based nonprofit, connects with Colombian foundations addressing social issues, highlighting micro-enterprise loans, education for teenage moms, and community development projects. Explore volunteer opportunities in Cartagena or Bogota for an insider's perspective without needing Spanish. Learn more at http://www.friendsforcolombia.org
Discover Festicinekids Foundation with Gerardo Nieto, continuing his father's legacy in international film festivals. Established in 1998, Festicinekids educates Colombian kids in cinema photography through programs like film production, acting, script writing, and a film festival for ages 10-16. They also offer a movie club, youth programs, and movie-making workshops. Learn more and support them at www.Festicinekids.org
ACTUAR is a nonprofit in Cartagena, Colombia, offering micro-loans for entrepreneurs to launch family businesses. They provide ongoing job training and childcare for women. Volunteer in the preschool program, share expertise in financial literacy and microloan development, or support their work in Colombia and the U.S. through Friends for Colombia: http://www.friendsforcolombia.org; https://www.actuarporbolivar.org
Sierra Artist Residency, part of Gitana del Mar - Retreat Center's community outreach, facilitates cultural exchange between artists and local youth in over 20 schools. Donate supplies, participate in programs, and support their coloring book initiative. Purchase a book, and 5 will be donated. Consider planning a retreat to contribute: http://www.lasierraartistresidency.org; https://www.gitanadelmar.com.co
Juanfe Foundation breaks the cycle of poverty for low-income teenage mothers with a 2-year program, offering emotional support, technical training, and connecting them with employment opportunities. Volunteer as an English partner to support their employability in tourism. Learn more at https://juanfe.org.
Learn how Pedro founded Amigos del Mar to support children in Tierra Bomba with after-school programs in English, art, and surf lessons. The foundation's recycling initiative turns plastic caps into surfboard fins and key chains. Volunteer opportunities are available in English, art, technology, or surfing. Explore more at https://amigosdelmar.org/.
Live on an island and make a difference! Volunteers from 3 European countries share their experiences with Amigos del Mar, emphasizing the strong sense of community and life lessons gained. Appreciate basic necessities like rain for running water. Teach English, surfing, or share your knowledge. Make a meaningful impact volunteering for a day, a month, or more. Explore opportunities at https://amigosdelmar.org/+.
Robert Graffam, Caring for Colombia Board member, discusses supporting Colombian foundations. Caring for Colombia, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, connects donors with foundations to empower vulnerable communities through health, education, leadership training, and environmental sustainability. Explore their impact and involvement opportunities at https://www.caringforcolombia.org.