The Loretto neighborhood, also called ''Pablo Escobar'' by its residents, is located in Community 9, on a mountain in the city of Medellín, Colombia. It was financed in its beginnings by the leader of the so-called Medellín Cartel, and was inhabited by families living in extreme poverty in the municipal garbage dump of Moravia. Despite its poor beginnings, the neighborhood has experienced considerable growth and is now home to more than 16,000 people. However, it is important to note that access conditions in the area are challenging, and basic services such as schools, health centers, and other necessary infrastructure for a good quality of life are lacking. It is worth mentioning that the inhabitants are committed to overcoming the stigma they have carried for more than 30 years. Despite this, they have a strong awareness of the need for change and understand the challenges they face in moving towards individual and collective healing to build a better future.
It is fundamental that the authorities and society in general recognize and support the efforts of the inhabitants of Loretto to overcome difficulties and build a strong and dignified community. The transformation of this neighborhood requires the joint work of all sectors of society to give more power and value to the less privileged, to increase their social capacity, to allow them access to all resources and to participate in the development of society with equal rights and benefits.
It is essential to understand that the Loretto Neighborhood is much more than its past, and it deserves to be recognized for its efforts to achieve a just life and overcome the challenges it has faced.
From From 2o21
We were warmly welcomed by Wberney Zabala Miranda, the president of the community action board Medellín sin tugurios, Loretto neighborhood, Escobar sector in commune 9, along with our ally, the organization TECHO COLOMBIA. His leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to his community have been instrumental in the transformation process that we are undertaking.
Our objective is to build the is to build and make available to the community the Rodrigo Lara Bonilla Cultural House and Social Center.The project aims to create safe and nurturing spaces for children and community members to play and enjoy themselves. These spaces will promote imagination, happiness, and creativity, ultimately contributing to a better future for them and their families.
Thanks to our friends at TECHO, we visited the second-largest settlement of displaced people in Colombia and spent time with the mothers of Granizal.
22 de septiembre de 2023
We celebrate the Day of Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Peace in Commune 9, Escobar sector of Medellin. This mural perpetuates the historical memory and vindicates the pain and greatness of the victims of violence in Colombia. Its protagonists are Minister of Justice Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, his son Jorge Andrés Lara Restrepo, Juan Pablo Escobar Henao, and the Children Dreamers of Peace.
Thanks to the great artist Zatélithe The use of color is part of our legacy of peace to the next generation.
Despite the physical limitations of the space and scarce resources available, they have managed to cultivate a love for sports, recognizing its ability to save lives. When Jorge Lara arrived in the neighborhood, he was immediately concerned with building a soccer field and a dignified and safe meeting space for young people and the community in general. And that's how the project was born!RODRIGO LARA BONILLA CULTURAL AND SOCIAL CENTER´´ that will be built there.
Our initiative is not just about providing school supplies. We also want to help the community develop in a comprehensive way. We spent the afternoon together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, highlighting the importance of unity in overcoming challenges.
We really appreciate our young volunteers. Thank you for your leadership and support of the noble causes of the foundation. To our donors, thank you so much for your generosity!
18 de enero de 2024
This is how we conducted our visit to Medellín, where the objective was to purchase and deliver school kits to some children of the Loretto neighborhood, Escobar sector. We spent a productive afternoon engaged in sports, union, and fraternity activities with the community. We would like to highlight the exemplary leadership of the neighborhood's soccer teacher, Francisco González, who directs the Camisas Blancas sports club. His commitment extends beyond the boundaries of thousands of soccer fields. Together with his community, he has created a space called "cancha," which provides children recreational activities.