FOC Sponsored Projects

Paso a Paso was initiated by Friends of Colombia in 2007 and currently supports 35 children attending K – 12 schools in the Santa Marta area. To date, through this program 16 impoverished Colombian children have graduated from high school. With the guidance they and their families receive, 13 began their college careers. Six have graduated from college. 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. Learn more 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. Through its unique educational model, the Foundation supports English language and technology instruction, as well as leadership skills the students need in order to function in a competitive, global environment. The Foundation is being acknowledged by the Colombian government and media for its accomplishments. 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. 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.

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- 3197. Visit http://www.american.edu/library/archives/ to learn more about the collection.