Supporting Education for Indigenous Students in the Amazon
On the 14th of June, I’ll be running a half marathon with my dad to raise money for something I care deeply about: helping indigenous students from the Colombian Amazon access university education and higher technical qualifications.
Earlier this year, I spent a week volunteering with Entropika, a Colombian conservation charity based in Leticia, Amazonas, with the support of the SPGS Parents' Guild Travel Scholarship. I worked alongside their team on projects with young people from the indigenous San Antonio community - including birdwatching, a photography workshop, and a museum visit to the Sinchi Amazonic Institute of Scientific Research. I also had the chance to attend a workshop at the National University, where I worked with local students to map out their visions for a more sustainable future in Leticia. Alongside that, I spent time at the Entropika office, learning more about the broader work they do in conservation, research, and community engagement.
Meeting these students was an unforgettable experience. Many of them are curious, creative, and eager to learn but face major financial obstacles when it comes to going to university. Things like transport, food, housing, and basic supplies can be enough to make higher education feel out of reach.
Although Entropika's main focus is conservation, they are deeply committed to supporting local communities - including improving access to education. The money raised will go towards supporting students with real financial need - whether through scholarships or covering essential living costs - so that they can take up university places and continue their education.
Because GoFundMe doesn’t currently allow direct fundraising for Colombian NGOs, all donations will go through the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), a UK charity (and SPEAC's partner charity!) that has worked with Entropika for years and awarded its founder, Angela Maldonado, the prestigious Whitley Gold Award. WFN will ensure that the funds are securely and transparently directed to the educational support Entropika is organising.
I’m also encouraging other students - including friends from SPEAC (St Paul's Environmental Action Committee) - to run their own races or join mine to raise funds for the same cause! So if you’re here because someone you know is also taking part, thank you for considering a donation to help us reach our goal.
It really will make a difference - thank you so much for your support!! :)
Additional info:
Organizer
Gabrielle Ramos Handal
Organizer
England
THE WHITLEY FUND FOR NATURE
Beneficiary