FOC Sponsored Projects

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As we move into the 4th decade of Friends of Colombia we continue to support projects in Colombia that have been developed by returned PCV’s or current PCV’s in the field. We depend upon your generosity in order to do so.

Paso a Paso provides necessary school registration fees, materials, uniforms, shoes, tutoring and a folkloric music program to grade school children. The program began with 8 children and has grown to 35. YOU can help by contributing to the support of one more child into the program. It costs $400 per child per year in the program. If you wish to donate or provide a college scholarship, roughly $1,000.00 a year, please visit https://friendsofcolombia.org/donate-now/ or contact Arleen Cheston, President, FOC, arlches@aol.com

The Magdalena Foundation awards college scholarships to qualifying students who otherwise could not attend university. The scholars become tutors for Paso a Paso students who then are eligible to apply for scholarships. Scholarship graduates are now doctors, lawyers, a mayor, teachers, nurses—all vital members of the society. They are educated with the idea that they have been helped and now they need to give back to the community, and they do. YOU can help by contributing to a $1,000.00 scholarship. Learn more about the Magdalena Foundation at http://www.magdalenafoundation.org.

The Marina Orth Foundation supports One Laptop per Child schools in and around Medellin. The program is expanding into the Nuqui, Choco region of Colombia. The Foundation will be initiating their computer program, English training, and robotics into the Nuqui School in the Choco. Considering the fact that Nuqui is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet the goal is to begin to prepare the students for ecotourism. YOU can help by contributing toward the purchase of computers and educational materials.See the latest at http://www.fundaorth.org.

The Colombia Project (TCP Global) The Colombia Project (TCP Global) has provided over 1600 loans to impoverished entrepreneurs in Colombia, thanks in part to strong financial support from FOC and its members. With excellent loan repayment rates, the $70,000 sent from the U.S. has been reinvested more than 5 times to date to fund over $381,000 in loans. As of 2015, TCP Global loans are also offered in Guatemala, Peru, Niger, the Philippines, and to former Florida foster youth in Miami. TCP plans to open two more programs in Colombia, one in Salamina and the other in Palmira. YOU can help these new programs by contributing to a $170.00 loan. The NPCA-Community fund serves as the 501(c)3. Learn more by reviewing photos and text on the TCP Global Facebook Page.

Colombia Peace Corps Volunteer Project Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in Colombia can apply through Peace Corps Partners to receive a grant from Friends of Colombia for projects connected with their work in the field. We have supported PC volunteer workshops and provided 12 video projectors for use in educational settings by volunteers currently serving in Colombia. YOU can help by contributing to this fund, so that we can respond to requests as they come in.

American  University Peace Corps Colombia Archives collects and preserves photos, letters, articles, and books donated by Colombia Peace Corps Volunteers. FOC Archives are used by scholars, journalists, students and others studying the history of Peace Corps and Colombia. More donations of materials are encouraged. To deposit Peace Corps Colombia materials, contact Susan McElrath, University Archivist, American University, 202-885- 3232. Visit http://www.american.edu/library/archives/ to learn more about the collection.

YOU CAN HELP! We invite you to support grass roots projects in Colombia and the Friends of Colombia Archive. Send donations to Friends of Colombia, P.O. Box 15292, Chevy Chase, MD 20825 or online at https://friendsofcolombia.org/donate-now/. You may designate a project for your donation or leave the designee to us.