Fighting for Fundación Funtravidi

Welcome to our fundraiser for La Fundación Funtravidi in Bogota, Colombia led by 7 students from Maastricht University. This community organization was set up by Prof. Luz Dary Velandia in 2006.

The foundation provides invaluable services to the 35,000 people in El Codito; an impoverished neighbourhood in Bogota, Colombia. For example;

 

- Providing support to young mothers who experience pregnancy from as young as 13 years old

- With drug and alcohol abuse being a common problem, the foundation supports children living in unstable homes

- Providing education to school aged children unable to obtain places in local schools due to the growing population

- Alongside the health center it provides services to those with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

The community spans a large area built on the mountainside, therefore it faces increased concerns of being buried by a potential landslide. The steep and densely populated area has made numerous older and disabled community members housebound; unable to access vital healthcare or social services. Additionally, Colombia has recently transformed to a centralized health system, with absence of community health resources in areas such as El Codito.

Our aim is to improve the livelihoods within El Codito, therefore together we are petitioning for €30,000/£27,000 in funds to allow Funtravidi to purchase a community minibus to enable access to the wider network of El Codito and provide support to even more people. Achieving this goal would have a profound positive effect on numerous individuals in the community. Here are just a few examples:

• An 8 year old boy was diagnosed with a complicated brain tumor leaving him disabled. His mother and him face many difficulties getting to the hospital appointments 2 hours away, with not enough money for a taxi or car. They are forced to get to the local bus system at 5am to ensure there is enough room for his wheelchair. The community bus would make a huge difference to this young boy and his family.
• A 40 year old man left bed bound for 25 years after being shot, with caring responsibilities left to his brother after his mother died of leukemia. A minibus would be invaluable in connecting him with wider community support.
• A women was recently diagnosed with Parkinsons' and a previous stroke left her partially paralyzed. To attend doctor appointments, her husband and her must go on the first bus at 4 am to ensure there will be enough space, taking 3 buses to the nearest health facility. Her husband has begun working nights to support his wife.

These are just a small selection of stories of people in El Codito whom would benefit from any donation possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like any more information surrounding the foundation or the community, or follow the instagram @fundacionfuntravidi. We appreciate anything you can offer, nothing is too small to help this vulnerable community.

The same GoFundme page has also been created to donate in Euros if this is more suitable for you

Thank you so much in advance,

Claire, Kate, Ayana, Beau, Nina, Hannah, and Kellie

The foundation is located at Calle 181b #5-22 El Codito Usaquén Bogotá D.C. Colombia