Education, leadership and opportunity: How the Marina Orth Foundation changed Marlon Vargas' life.
I grew up in a neighborhood with fairly fixed boundaries, where talent was not thought of as a key to educational, professional, economic or social advancement. The Marina Orth Foundation completely changed that perspective, instilling in me a sense of self-confidence and promoting the idea that I could be a better person.education could transform my reality and my community.
Thanks to the Foundation, I participated in theenglish and technology monitors club in 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.
Thanks to the Foundation, I have had the opportunity to improve my English, traveling several times to the United States, having the opportunity to do a summer internship in the U.S. 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. I.E. Santa Juana de Lestonnac. Law. 10th semester.
University Of Medellin
The Road to Success: Education, Vocations 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 get to know it in order to adapt ourselves according to its characteristics and needs; making the knowledge we bring to children, young people and teachers valuable; allowing them to discover, explore and take advantage of the opportunities they have nearby.
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 deliver on our promises, manage resources responsibly and strive to be examples of integrity in our work.
Service is at the heart of our foundation. We are committed to serving vulnerable communities and individuals in our country by providing support and resources to improve their lives and opportunities.
We are driven by our will to make a difference. We are determined to achieve our purpose and to 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 educational and social inequity in Colombia through ongoing educational innovation and the implementation of educational programs that develop 21st century competencies in children and young people.
Building a World of Opportunities
By 2026, we want to be a national reference for the implementation of educational programs to develop competencies for the 21st century with children and young people, and for our contribution to closing social inequality gaps in different regions of the country.