Putumayo Education Foundation

Putumayo is a department in southern Colombia which has a 60 year history of violence and instability. Currently many positive changes are taking place. Many young adult children have limited access to higher education opportunities, and are at risk of falling prey to militant groups or drug traffickers. We seek to break the cycle of poverty, violence and instability, which has been in existence for generations by inspiring education and offering support and opportunities for teachers and children in the region. https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/countries/colombia/ As founder of the Putumayo Education Foundation, I first visited the region in December of 2011 and January 2012 with Professor Uriel Buitrago of Oklahoma State University. Professor Buitrago grew up in the small town of Puerto Caicedo and had not returned to the home of his upbringing in over twenty years. It was a joyous trip, not only did he connect with his family, the children greeted us open arms. They were joyful, happy, carefree and eager to learn and explore. Some of the older children were skeptical, and reserved, and many of them, have no dream or hope for a successful future. I came to know many of them, on a personal level, and I made a promise to come back, and make a difference for the children in the region.