Home Digital education against poverty: empowering Cristo Rey’s future, Colombia

Digital education against poverty: empowering Cristo Rey’s future, Colombia

Published on

10 January 2025

In the heart of the Cristo Rey district in Santa Marta, northern Colombia, there’s a shocking reality: 99% of the population – 4,625 people – live in poverty and juggle precarious jobs. This already vulnerable community is also struggling with an influx of migrants from Venezuela, exacerbating the difficulties caused by armed conflict and forced displacement.

In this difficult situation, children roam the streets, exposed to the dangers posed by gangs, drug trafficking, armed groups and prostitution. The fact that school is only available half the day makes the situation even worse: children are left unsupervised for much of the day, as their parents are at work. All of these factors place children at risk of dropping out, delinquency and crime. Girls between the ages of 10 and 16 are particularly vulnerable. They often find themselves in situations of early pregnancy, which constitutes a serious health risk for young mothers and their infant.

In the face of these alarming challenges, education is proving to be a beacon of hope, guiding children towards a better future. In hopes of offering activities that encourage children to leave the streets, a consultation was held with members of the community, which identified the need for information technology (IT) courses.

Bearing this in mind, the Fundación Casa de la Mujer Nelly Bernal Mejía (The Nelly Bernal Mejía Women’s House Foundation), with financial support from the Roncalli International Foundation, undertook a project to create a computer centre. Its aim: to reduce digital inequalities and combat dropping out, crime and teenage pregnancy.