Photo: https://www.mibarrio-misueno.com/

In the heart of Colombia’s vibrant and creative city, Medellín, where the echoes of optimism unite with the challenges of everyday life, there is a ray of hope – Mi Barrio Mi Sueño.  

Andrea, the founder, was born in Bogota, but raised in the Netherlands. Andrea’s mother was in an abusive relationship when she discovered she was pregnant, so she gave Andrea up for adoption to offer her a brighter future. This had a significant impact on her life and is one of the key reasons why women’s empowerment and equality are so close to her heart.  

What is Mi Barrio Mi Sueño?  

Born out of a personal story and a commitment to fight for equal and fair opportunities for women, Andrea and the foundation have been working tirelessly to ‘empower young girls and women’ and ‘transform aspirations into reality’, in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Medellín. 

From boxing (Barrio Boxing) to jewelry-making (Manilla Project), to English and Art classes (Un Paso Adelante), as well as offering support to families by distributing food bags and supplying stoves, their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They shine a light on a community which is often obscured by a negative image of poverty, unemployment, lack of education, and/or gender violence.  

What are the ways we can support this Christmas?  

This Christmas they have introduced a new initiative named ‘Mi Árbol Mi Sueño’ – a wish tree, with the aim of making 100 wishes come true. Children in Medellín are putting pen to paper, expressing their dreams on cards for the festive season.  

The team then goes around Medellín, reaching out to children in various disadvantaged neighborhoods, aiming to fulfill their dreams. By contributing, donors have the power to turn a child’s dream into a reality.  

They are sharing the different wishes on their Instagram, to make it more personal for those donating, so they can see the impact which they are having on a child’s life.  

As the festive season approaches, it is a clear reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in giving and sharing. Supporting this foundation supplies a unique opportunity for individuals to make a lasting positive and empowering impact on a disadvantaged community. Granting one of these wishes is a way of investing in a child’s future and breaking the cycle of poverty which is not only an issue in areas of Colombia, but all around the world. 

Through clicking on this link, you can donate and be part of Mi Barrio Mi Sueño’s goal to make sure these children are able to experience the magical Christmas which they deserve.  

Link to fundraiser for The Wish Tree: https://gofund.me/7989cf21 

Here is a video explaining Mi Árbol Mi Sueño: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Mj9HQLv_c/ 

You can read more about the foundation here: https://www.mibarrio-misueno.com/ 

You can follow their Instagram here: mibarrio.misueno