In the last seventy years, Colombia has been working hard to bounce back from the 1948 civil war, which resulted in decades of civil unrest, illegal drug trade, violence, and increased poverty. Although peace and safety have significantly improved, the effects of this period continue to impact public systems like education, which still stands as a limited resource in rural areas.
Colombia has grown and strengthened its education system, but overall quality and efficiency of basic primary and secondary public schools is extremely poor, particularly in low income, rural areas. Approximately 1.2 million school-aged children do not receive any formal education. Textbooks and other school fees are a huge burden to families in the lowest income levels.
The foundation we will be working with helps families that face these trials. Located a short distance outside of Cartagena, HXP Builders will be serving in an area where generational poverty remains due to lack of education. This summer, HXP Builders will be constructing classrooms for a school that currently lacks sufficient space for students. These additional classrooms will immediately impact 100 families with students in the school and will indirectly influence the 200 families living in the community. HXP Builders will have the opportunity to help change lives, building from the ground up.