Save Our Roofs: Help Preserve José Manuel Groot School

The José Manuel Groot Educational Institution is a school with a rich history that reflects the dedication and effort of the community of Palmira, Colombia. A generous local landowner donated the lot, and the committed community worked tirelessly to establish the institution that stands today. The goal? To build a school that provides access to education for children unable to attend due to socio-economic challenges and inadequate infrastructure.

Through the sale of fried snacks, known locally as "fritanga," and various community projects, residents gradually turned this dream into reality. Every brick of this "little house" was bought with love and collective effort.

However, time has taken its toll, especially with the arrival of the rainy season in Colombia. The older building's roof eaves are in considerable disrepair and have started to shift, leading to issues with the upper sections of the roofs. Repairing these damages is challenging, as many are not immediately visible. The structure features a bamboo system and a ceiling made of foam panels, a method common in older constructions in Colombia

In total, five educational institutions in the area face a similar state of deterioration. It is essential to take measures to preserve these spaces, which are the result of the hard work of an entire community and continue to be a pillar in the education of the region's children and youth.

To raise funds, I have created the "Lonley Project," where participants pay €6 to compete for two free tickets to Universal Studios in Beijing. Participants will complete a series of personality tests and, along with their compatible partners, engage in activities that earn points. At the end, the couple with the most points will win the tickets to Universal Studios in Beijing. This initiative is also open to anyone who wishes to donate, and the results will be shared with donors after purchasing the resources needed to improve the roofs of the educational institution.

Fundraising organized by Kaina Echeverry Montoya and Juan Esteban Bolaños.