La Finca

“Profe, there’s three tunnels we’re going to pass through!” my seat mate excitedly told me as we headed out of Medellín with thirty kids from Fundación Poder Joven to the finca, or farm, about ninety minutes away. My friend never stopped talking because she was so excited at everything she saw out the window and just had to tell me about it. With the noise of the traffic, the constant accelerating and braking of the bus, and the competing music from the older kids sitting behind us and the driver in the front, I could barely make out most of what she said but that didn’t matter.

The day started for me when I left my home in Medellín at 6 am to catch the metro. I wouldn’t arrive back until well after 6 pm. In between, I experienced more of the magic of this amazing organization which focuses on supporting kids from marginalized communities.

Poder Joven was born nearly thirty years ago when a group of university students decided to help kids they noticed sniffing glue and living on the streets of the city. The students quietly left some presents one Christmas Eve while the kids were sleeping. From there, they decided to return weekly and built relationships with the kids, learning more about why they were in the street and the neighborhoods they came from.

Though it is rare to see kids living in the streets today due to a government crackdown, there is still a great need to support children who come from under-resourced communities. Poder Joven has grown to have two houses in two different neighborhoods of the city, each providing programs for about 30 students in the morning and 30 in the afternoon.

Listening to Clared, one of the original college students who left those gifts for the street kids nearly thirty years ago, I was struck by how such a small act has grown to impact so many lives in such a positive way. And it’s not just the children that are impacted, there are many volunteers, board members, staff, and friends of Poder Joven who can’t help but be moved by the positive energy of the children and the work that is being done (myself included).

Our day at the finca was sun-filled and full of activity. After a stop at a petting zoo, we arrived at the small plot of land on a hillside with a gorgeous view. The children didn’t need much – just a plastic sheet and soapy water for a slip and slide, a few soccer balls, and some food (lovingly made, as always, by Yasmine, the cook at Casa Maren).

When it was time to head home, the kids took turns washing up under the outdoor hose and cleaned up everything, leaving it exactly as we found it, just as they do back at Casa Maren. I’m still amazed at how so many kids of different ages get along so well, rarely complain, and readily help out whenever asked.

The kids volunteer to say grace before each meal. The center is non-denominational, but spirituality is taught, along with yoga and meditation.

Make A Difference

A trip to the finca, which is on property donated to the organization, costs about $200 for the bus and food for thirty students (out of 120 students in the two locations). These children rarely leave their hillside neighborhood, so a trip outside of the city is an eye-opening experience. This week’s trip was made possible due to a fundraiser organized by Charlotte, a volunteer from France. With her many connections, she gathered a small international crowd at a penthouse apartment for some delicious food and drinks. It was a great evening and a wonderful way to spread the word about Poder Joven while supporting the children.

Want to support a future trip to the finca, or another need of Poder Joven? You can make a donation on their website. For those who know me, feel free to send me a message if you’d like to send money directly to me via Venmo or another app before April 4 (my last day here). I will use it to purchase needed supplies or make a cash donation in your name directly to the staff at Poder Joven. Either way, consider making a small gift – a little really does go a long way! And send me your questions if you’d like to know more about this organization.

What Really Matters

I can’t keep up with all of the great things happening at Poder Joven. Today there was a talent show – so expect another load of photos soon! In the meantime, what really matters (in my opinion) is that these kids love Casa Maren as if it were there own family. They come every day, outside of school time, work hard, and are so thrilled with every new experience they have. See for yourself in these photos!