Jardin #2

Verdun | Antioquia | Colombia |

 

SEF’s project goals in Jardin were to provide and supply a week-long cultural programme at the Miguel Valencia school that involved musical and English-language education. The emphasis placed on musical education stems from the extensive research done on how music education advances students’ mental processing and linguistics. SEF worked with University of Oklahoma volunteers to help a rural school incorporate technology, improve basic infrastructure, and provided school with more educational tools and children’s books.

 

 

Community Overview

 

In a rural school 3 hours from Medellin, Colombia there is a small group of 80 children in a school that are involved in a very unique project called “Observers of the Atmospheric Time”. Their leader is the math teacher, Mercedes Arrubla, who for the last 12 years, has inspired several children to learn math in a fun and original way, and get them involved with science to understand their surroundings. Few people in the area know the tenacious job Mercedes has been doing with these students. The children come from dysfunctional families, from several “veredas” of the area by foot, bicycle or donkey. Some don’t have enough food in their homes, but they want to learn more about the sky, the wind, the climate change and be part of this project.

I created SEF with the hope to help few children in need, however it has turned into something greater. As an organization we have been privileged to have met great people who truly care about our mission, and inspired others to do the same! This is my additional full time job and I love it.

 

Edwin Amaya
SEF- FOUNDER

Working for SEF here in Colombia gives me the opportunity to meet new people, learn a new language, immerse myself in a new culture, and travel to remote places all while contributing to community. While I have the opportunity to impact the lives of countless people, they have just as great of an impact on my life

 

Carey MacCacherm
Summer-Inter

This time last year I was fully immersed in SEF. Honestly, if I could I would be interning again this summer. My internship experience with Smile Education Foundation is really special to me. The greatest part was seeing the students' and teachers' faces light up when they talked about how the resources and programs we provided had improved their educational process. I hope that more people look into interning for SEF, it is truly an experience of a lifetime.

 

Carolina Chavez
Summer-Inter

“To be volunteering with SEF is such a privilege, as it is an opportunity to give back, travel to beautiful locations, and explore a rich culture. Not only do we get the chance to work with extremely intelligent students and learn from them, but as SEF interns, we have the opportunity to practice the language and create the experience we want. This is a programme I would recommend to anybody!”"

 

Julia Riffle
Colombia summer intern

  • Personas aproyando 27% 27%

  • 60 students, ages 5-8 from Miguel Valencia school
  • Emphasis on musical and English-language education
  • $2000 USD directly to students’ learning materials and musical instruments

  • Annual operating budget of school: $200 USD
  • Most students walk dangerous mountain terrain for 2 hours to get to school

  • One of our many projects in Jardin, Antioquia
  • 256 students indirectly affected with programme

  • Caring for Colombia Foundation
  • Yo Creo en Colombia Foundation
  • PetroGroup

Solutions & outcomes

Academic Resources

Infraestructure

scholarship

Educational development & workshop

Health & Wellness

After School Programs

Vocational training

Sport & Physical activities

Nutrition