The power of helping: Donations that transform education in Santa Ana

Javier Trespalacios
Jun 3, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Education in rural areas like Santa Ana, Magdalena (Colombia), faces challenges such as the scarcity of basic materials and limited technological infrastructure. However, thanks to the commitment of a group of professionals, the support of W Radio, and the collaboration of various organizations, this reality is beginning to change, benefiting two academic institutions: the Rafael Jiménez Altahona Educational Institution and the Antonio Brugés Carmona School.

The Power of Helping

Origin of the initiative

The initiative originated from the circulation of a journalistic article in which students from Santa Ana expressed their concern about educational abandonment in their region. This message remained etched in someone's mind, who was later contacted fortuitously by a teacher friend with relatives in Santa Ana. This contact was interpreted as a sign to act in favor of that community. Sensitized by the problem, the teacher established contact with several local educational institutions, obtaining clear responses from the Rafael Jiménez Altahona Educational Institution and the Antonio Bruges Carmona School.

With this information, the case was shared in a WhatsApp group formed by graduates of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the Universidad del Atlántico, residents in different parts of the world. Thus began a donation process guided by the specific needs that the principals communicated to ensure efficient help and real impact in the educational community.

Notebook donation to Rafael Jiménez Altahona Educational Institution

The graduates coordinated the delivery of 1,380 notebooks to the Rafael Jiménez Altahona Educational Institution. Principal Cesar Larios highlighted that the lack of basic materials, such as notebooks, discourages many parents from sending their children to school, evidencing the economic difficulties of the community. In rural areas, where numerous families cannot afford school supplies, this situation becomes an obstacle to access and permanence in education.

The power of helping: students from Rafael Jiménez Altahona Educational Institution receiving the donation

Thanks to the generosity of Ivan Altamar, Dante Barraza, Julissa Barraza, Pedro Barrios, Milton Coba, Henry de la Peña, Jaime Garcia, Alejandro Hernandez, Ana Lopes, Edgar Mauricio Mejia, Hainer Mejia, Alfonso Navarro, Pedro Pablo Peñaranda, Edwin Polo, Alfredo Polo, Javier Rodriguez, Adolfo Silva, Javier Trespalacios, Carlos Velilla and Omar Vasquez, it was possible to gather the necessary resources for this donation. To all of them, our gratitude for their valuable contribution and solidarity.

Principal Larios delivering the donation

This action improves the quality of learning and motivates families to prioritize education, strengthening school continuity and contributing to breaking the cycle of social vulnerability, which opens new opportunities for personal and community development.

School kits for Antonio Brugés Carmona School

The delivery of 550 school kits to Antonio Brugés Carmona School was managed by the graduates in alliance with W Radio, led by Julio Sanchez Cristo and the Diana Group. The kits include notebooks, colors, pencils, erasers, and other essential materials for students' academic development.

Educational kits received by students from Antonio Brugés Carmona School

Principal Alex Jiménez highlighted that this contribution alleviates the economic burden of many families and strengthens parents' commitment to their children's education, encouraging attendance and interest in learning.

Educational kits for Antonio Brugés Carmona School

This initiative represents fundamental support for improving educational quality in the region, as having adequate materials favors academic performance and student motivation. The collaboration between graduates, W Radio, and the Diana Group shows how the union of efforts generates a positive and sustainable impact in rural communities.

Computer and robotics room: Technology for the Future

The Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC), in alliance with W Radio and with the management of the group of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering graduates from the Universidad del Atlántico, delivered more than 400 computers and enabled a computer and robotics room at Antonio Brugés Carmona School. This technological infrastructure allows students to develop digital and scientific skills, essential for facing the challenges of the 21st century, and promotes educational innovation in the region.

New computer room at Antonio Brugés Carmona School

The principal highlighted that the equipment will also be available for other educational institutions in the region, expanding the project's reach. Additionally, he noted that this initiative will allow students to access specialized degrees in robotics and computer basics, strengthening their technical and professional training. The school is advancing in international agreements with the International Labour Organization (ILO), which will facilitate student participation in training programs, events, and competitions related to technology and robotics, enriching their academic profile and preparing them for the job market.

New robotics room, Antonio Brugés Carmona School

Recognition of principals: Leaders committed to educational transformation

In Colombia, there are true heroes without capes who, with deep vocation, lead significant changes in education that impact the lives of thousands of students. Principals Alex Jiménez and Cesar Larios are emblematic examples of this leadership. Their dedication goes beyond administrative management, promoting initiatives that benefit students and strengthen the social fabric of their communities.

Their work inspires teachers, families, and young people, demonstrating that committed leadership is key to closing gaps, fostering learning, and sowing hope in new generations.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These actions are aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 1: No Poverty, facilitating access to education and resources that improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities. By providing school materials and technology, concrete tools are offered so that students and their families have more development opportunities, thus breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
SDG 4: Quality Education, guaranteeing educational materials and technology. The delivery of school kits and the creation of computer and robotics rooms ensure that students receive modern, relevant training adapted to current challenges, raising the educational level and fostering meaningful learning.
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, preparing students for a more competitive and dignified professional future. Through technical training in robotics and computer science, and access to information technologies, the development of skills that respond to current market demands is promoted. This expands the prospects for decent employment, fosters entrepreneurial spirit, and encourages knowledge-based local economic growth.
SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, strengthening technological and innovative capacities in rural contexts. The creation of a computer science and robotics room not only represents an investment in modern educational infrastructure but also stimulates innovation among young people, encouraging the use of emerging technologies to think, create, and solve problems. This action lays the foundations for a community more connected to scientific and technological development.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, decreasing educational gaps in rural areas. By focusing efforts on communities with fewer resources, equity is promoted and more young people are ensured access to the same training opportunities, regardless of their place of origin or social condition.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, promoting collaboration between the university, business, and state. The coordination between graduates, educational institutions, the private sector, and media like W Radio demonstrates how strategic alliances enhance the impact and sustainability of initiatives, allowing the achievement of goals that would be impossible to reach in isolation.

SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Thus, each action undertaken in Santa Ana not only responds to immediate needs but also contributes to more just and sustainable social development, in line with the principles of the 2030 Agenda.

Conclusion

The power of helping is a transformative force that, although it may seem small at the beginning, can generate great changes when the will and commitment of many people unite. As principals Alex Jiménez and Cesar Larios affirm, "1 is more than 0," a phrase that reflects the importance of each contribution, however small, to improve education in Santa Ana.

This experience demonstrates that social sensitivity, community commitment, and effective collaboration can generate lasting changes in rural education. Donations not only deliver essential materials but also inspire hope and open paths toward a more promising future for new generations. Education remains the key tool for promoting social development and reducing inequalities.

A special thanks to Julio Sánchez Cristo for his valuable support and commitment in promoting and backing this initiative, which has been essential in achieving these accomplishments.