Education, Leadership, and Opportunity: How the Marina Orth Foundation Changed the Life of Marlon Vargas
“I grew up in a neighborhood with fairly fixed limitations, in which talent was not thought of as a key to educational, professional, economic or social advancement. The Marina Orth Foundation completely changed that perspective, instilling self-confidence in me and promoting the idea that education could transform my reality and my community.
Thanks to the Foundation, I participated in the technology and English instructors club at my school, where I strengthened my skills and guided the younger children. In these spaces, I demonstrated my leadership and determination, which allowed me to win an English scholarship at the age of 14, followed by a university scholarship to study Law at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana.
With the help of the Foundation, I have had the opportunity to perfect my English, traveling to the United States on several occasions, including for a summer spent in Washington, DC, working as an intern for the United States Congress.
Today, at 26 years old, I am a lawyer, bilingual , and I work as a legal leader in a retail company. I am an optimistic man, passionate about education and for the most vulnerable communities.
The Marina Orth Foundation scholarship was the foundation of my current life and career, filling me with optimism and reminding me that opportunities are endless when you are willing to overcome obstacles.”
Verónica Maya García. Santa Juana de Lestonnac Educational Institution. Law. 10th semester.
University Of Medellin
The Path to Success: Education, Employment and Overcoming Challenges
We give children and young people like Marlon, who face barriers accessing quality education, the opportunity to learn English, robotics, technology, explore career paths and access scholarships.. Beyond acquiring new knowledge, our beneficiaries also develop essential skills such as teamwork, resilience, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, which prepares them to successfully face challenges and solve problems.
We Serve Vulnerable, Rural Areas of Colombia
When we arrive at a new place, we learn all we can to help assess the needs of the students and teachers and adapt our program to help those needs. Our personal approach allows people to discover, explore and take advantage of the opportunities closest to them.
Our Values: The Essence of Our Identity
Perseverance is the force that guides us to overcome obstacles and challenges. We face difficulties with determination, keeping our vision and mission intact despite adversity.
Optimism is essential in our approach. We believe in the possibility of positive change and in people's potential. We foster hope and confidence in a better future.
We value responsibility in every action we take. We keep our promises, manage resources responsibly, and strive to exemplify integrity in our work.
Service is the heart of our foundation. We are committed to serving vulnerable communities and people in our country, providing support and resources to improve their lives and opportunities.
Willpower drives us to make a difference. We are determined to achieve our purpose and contribute to the well-being of those who trust in our foundation. Willpower is the spark that ignites our passion for change.
What Do We Connect With?
To reduce the educational and social inequality that exists in Colombia through continuous educational innovation and the implementation of educational programs that develop 21st-century skills in children and youth.
Building a World of Opportunities
By 2026, we aim to be a national benchmark for implementing educational programs that develop 21st-century skills in children and youth, and for our contribution to closing social inequality gaps in different regions of the country.