Rionegro 2015
The goal of this social project is to raise enough funds to acquire school supplies for the entire 2015 academic year of the 80 elementary school children in the Rionegro municipality of Santander, Colombia. The project will also encourage them to participate in the arts and improve their well being via teachings from health seminars. We will provide a paid music teacher for a 1-year period as well the donation of 24 musical instruments to the school. Finally, we’ll bring an optometrist who will administer eye exams and donate prescription glasses to those children who need them.
Community Overview
The children who will benefit from this social project live in very low-income families of the Rionegro community; many of which live in small farms in the surrounding hills of the town of Portachuelo. Colombia has been the site of a continuous internal war, where guerrillas, drug traffickers and paramilitary groups fight without regard for the rural population. While the government has been able to make progress on the war front and the economy has somewhat been able to keep major cities afloat, rural towns of the country are often forgotten and are the last to receive support (if any) from the central government.
Testimonies
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
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