Arriba las Manos Foundation, Colombia​

Mona Partner Since 2021

Serving the isolated Afro-descendant community of Ararca on Colombia's Barú Island. With Mona's support, Arriba las Manos operates a school library with a librarian-educator (Dionisia) who works daily with classroom groups to improve learning outcomes and interest in reading.

Alicia’s Story: Alicia is a seventh-grade student who participates in Arriba las Manos' educational reinforcement program. Using printed texts, images, television-based learning, and sight-reading activities, the program has helped her strengthen her reading skills and build the confidence to speak in front of others.

Today, Alicia reads more fluently and has overcome a fear that once kept her from speaking in class. With the encouragement of her teachers and Dionisia, she has spoken in front of her classmates, teachers, and the entire school assembly.

Alicia shares:

"I used to dread speaking like this, in front of others... I was shy and genuinely frightened... I simply could not bring myself to ever speak in front of the classroom."

"With the support of my teachers and Miss Dionisia, I have been able to face that fear... I have spoken in front of the teachers and in front of the entire school assembly... I feel so much more confident now."