Cultural Educational Center Rebolo

Cultural Educational Center Rebolo

In August 2008 three foundations started to work on a plan to set up a Cultural Educational Center in the impoverished neighborhood of Rebolo in Barranquilla, Colombia. The Center would start as a classroom with courses in basic computer skills and English language for children and youth of the Rebolo neighborhood. These skills are in high demand in Barranquilla – one of the biggest harbors and an important industrial center of Colombia, that is situated very close to the main touristic attractions of the country. Familiarity with computers, internet and knowledge of the English language offers a good opportunity to find a job, and with that a way out of poverty.

The task of the Dutch foundation Niños en Contacto was to support with fundraising and advise two Colombian partner foundations: “La Gloria Postrera” and “Jovenes en Contacto”.

The original plan was to have 64 pupils, but this number would be increased to 186 in the course of three years. Next to classes in computer skills and English language there were also various other educational, cultural and sporting activities planned in which youth from the neighborhood as well as  local businesses would  be involved. The project proposal was finalized as a comprehensive plan for 3 years with an estimated budget of 116.000 euro.

In 2009 and 2010 the three foundations worked hard to finalize the project plan, its budget, selection of teachers, interviews with the parents and future pupils. Several fundraising activities were organized to generate the initial funds for the project, and subsidy applications were submitted to various public and private funds. While half of the necessary funding was secured by the end of 2010 through successful subsidy applications, additional fundraising activities and sponsoring applications to business did not deliver expected result.

At the same time it became clear that the partners in Colombia lacked the capacity to manage the project of the size and duration as was initially planned.

In 2011 it was decided to split the project into smaller parts and start with a pilot phase that would include 3 month of English language classes to 60 children in the age 12 – 16. This pilot was completed in August 2011 and at the moment this part of the project is being evaluated.