Chiquitines is a center of adoption that hosts children from infancy until 12 years of age. I came with an open mind and was willing to try and make a difference. The children’s lack of awareness for a world outside the institution was something that concerned me and I wanted to fix.

Together with my group we designed and executed a project called “Children Exploring the World” with the objective of giving the kids in the institution the opportunity to explore the world by connecting with it. The project was divided in two: connectivity and soccer. With the economic help of the local sponsors, Tecnoquímicas and Nueva Inversión S.A.S, we were able to donate computers to the children in the institution so they could do their homework and explore the world through the correct use of the internet. We also conducted various activities, such as bake sales and coin drives to collect some funds.

The other part of the project was related to soccer. We worked to allow the children to attend a soccer team’s practice; we sent letters asking for donations to cover the costs of the necessary sports equipment. The main idea was for the children to socialize with kids from other socio-economic backgrounds. Although this part of the project did not materialize due to logistical issues, the project was left in its last stages and is ready for someone to take over it if turned out to be a possibility in the near future.

Working at Chiquitines helped me acquire more administrative skills, such as doing one’s legwork. I was also able to communicate effectively with different groups of people, whether they were young children or company administrators. This allowed us to motivate the kids to improve their English skills and their understanding of the world and persuade the companies to sponsor this cause. Working as a volunteer at Chiquitines not only helped me acquire and practice new skills, but it also proved to me that I could help make a difference in the lives of these kids and people in general.