Bogota, Colombia
Arriving in Colombia, I knew this program was going to be very different from the rest. We were centered in Bogotá, Colombia in a section called Ciudad Bolívar, one of the most dangerous in the city. Our programs in Colombia have a history of being located in some of the most violent communities, with our last one being in the gang-controlled mountains of Medellin, Colombia. Many of the participants at this program face danger and violence every day, so I knew the three days they were about to embark on had the potential to greatly impact their lives.
We walked down a steep hill through winding roads and uncertain footing to the local football court, decorated with colorful murals and images, matching the walls of the houses surrounding it. On the way down the hill, fighting balance in the same way we fought altitude change in our ascension, our excitement seemed to build and build.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This quote embodied my time in Colombia because we partnered with many organizations and foundations to put on an all encompassing program for the beneficiaries. Rather than working with one organization like we normally do, this program provided a unique experience where kids got to learn about more than just soccer.
One organization we collaborated with is called Caring Crew, which is affiliated with Delta Airlines. By putting on a joint program, the beneficiaries got to learn about arts and crafts, science, reading, English, dance, community service and soccer.
As mentioned, we were in a very dangerous neighborhood in Colombia. After our first program with the younger kids, we prepared to journey back up the hill to gather the next group.
We moved locations to a dirt road not far away near a steep cliff that claimed many of our soccer balls, despite deploying a volunteer to act as goalkeeper against gravity and mother nature!
This program encompassed more than athletics. As a team, we did various arts and crafts workshops, incorporating a “soccer” theme to all of them where the kids created collages and dream boards using cut-outs from the same Soccer.com magazines I so intently read as a child.
The kids also made bracelets with soccer balls on them, a craft project led by my mother’s own creative hands. I believe this program gave kids the opportunity to express their creativity, both on and off the pitch, which is an important part of recreation.
Our three-day camp would not be complete without a field trip, so on the final day the beneficiaries traveled and visited a children’s museum nearby and dined at our hotel, enjoying a three course meal, which many experienced for the first time. We had a few of their own parents chaperone, which encouraged community ownership and local leadership. Later, they visited a planetarium as well, which seemed to be the highlight of the day.
One special moment came at the very end of the field trip, when the children and volunteers came together for a community service project. The kids created a special dance to present at a local nursing home for residents who do not receive a lot of visitors. This moment united two generations, who may have never interacted otherwise. It was truly special to watch. Little did we know this interaction between young and old would be incredibly important as the world came to a pause just after due to the COVID-19 pandemic when resident homes and facilities would close down.
“ The kids’ eyes would light up, and many children said the soccer program was their favorite activity of the week.”
Courtney C., Caring Crew
For us to be a small part of this larger program was really special because we got to see the benefits of recreational activities in a child’s life. Our mission at Around the Worlds is to allow kids to pursue their passions and dream beyond what they think is possible. By opening these doors to the kids in Colombia, we want to encourage them to be active community members who seek to do good for their city.
Representatives from Caring Crew, VAHUM, and I spoke to the kids and their families during our final day of programming. I thanked them for their time, their attention, their energy, and their respect. I told them to continue to work hard in soccer, but to enjoy it as well. After, the kids performed a couple dance numbers and had their own representatives address the volunteers. One young boy was quick to say “Much like they are to us, the doors to VAHUM are always open to you. You are always welcome. Thank you.”