My name is Danna, I am 21 years old, and I live in a rural village in Northern Cauca. I study Business Administration in Santander de Quilichao. My family, made up of six members, has been a fundamental pillar in my life. My mother is a homemaker, my father works as a self taught welder, and my sisters pursue their academic dreams while facing personal challenges with courage.
Since the age of seven, I have participated in the educational programs of the Instituto Ruhi. At 15, I became a teacher for children’s classes in my community, and at 16 I dedicated a year to community service. Later, I served as coordinator of the educational program for children and joined FUNDAEC’s Community Leaders Support Program, which has provided me with financial support for my university studies.
My connection with the Preparación para la Acción Social program, known as PAS, began when I was selected as a tutor in recognition of my leadership potential. It has been a challenging yet rewarding process. At first, gathering participants was difficult. I went from having a small and constantly changing group to consolidating a team of 12 committed young people.
This experience has taught me perseverance, patience, and organizational skills, transforming me into a more responsible and punctual person. I have learned that young people need support to face the challenges of their environment and to make sound decisions.
I now understand the importance of working with them to foster values, develop their potential, and strengthen their role in the community. Seeing young people inspired by my work, such as a girl who is now an active participant in the PAS program, fills me with pride and a sense of responsibility.
My dreams include strengthening the PAS group, promoting respect, joy, and responsibility, and serving as an example for my community. I also wish to foster a deeper connection with the countryside. In the past, I did not feel much love or confidence toward rural life, but thanks to the texts I have studied and to what I have learned through FUNDAEC and the PAS program, I have come to understand how valuable it is to live in harmony with nature, to grow our own food, and to share that experience with others.
I believe it is essential for everyone to feel connected to the meaningful work of cultivating the land and serving others. I am grateful to FUNDAEC for lighting my path and allowing me to contribute to the development of my community while growing as a person and as a professional.
