Reflections from my August 2026 visit to La Guajira, Colombia
By Úrsula Alarcón
Cofounder and President, VENtanas for the Children of Venezuela
They Are Growing, Dreaming Big… and So Must We
This August, I returned to La Guajira and found myself looking up to embrace children I once held close at eye level.
Five years ago, many of these children spent their afternoons on the streets. Some carried the weight of circumstances no child should have to face. I remember days when fights interrupted our classes, when trust was difficult to earn, and when I wondered whether our efforts would truly make a difference.
Today, those same children are becoming leaders.
I watched them encourage younger children to participate in our soccer, music, and academic programs. I saw them demonstrate patience, responsibility, and kindness—values we have worked so hard to nurture.
And in those moments, I knew that every sacrifice, every difficult decision, and every moment of uncertainty had been worthwhile.
When they say, "Thank you, Sra. Úrsula," I wish every donor and volunteer could hear them.
Because they are thanking you, too.
The Children Are Growing. So Are Their Dreams.
One of the most emotional parts of my visit was reconnecting with children who have been with VENtanas since its earliest days.
Some are now preparing to enter high school. Others have moved away with their families in search of better opportunities.
And there are faces I still search for but cannot find—children whose circumstances have pulled them away from school, from our programs, and sometimes toward the dangers of the streets.
Their absence stays with me.
But I also carry the joy of seeing those who continue to return faithfully to La Casita, our little home away from home.
I sat with several of our older children, eager to hear about their plans for high school. I wanted to celebrate this important milestone with them.
Instead, their answers broke my heart.
They did not know which school they would attend. Some were unsure whether their families could afford registration fees, uniforms, shoes, books, or transportation.
A few could not even afford an outfit for graduation or their school photograph.
I had come ready to celebrate how far they had come. They were wondering whether they would be able to continue.
After five years of walking beside these children, I could not bear the thought that poverty might determine how far their dreams could go.
That was the moment I knew our mission had to grow with them.
Dreams in Motion: Opening the Window to an Academic Future
During this visit, the idea for a new scholarship program began to take shape.
We call it Dreams in Motion, our High School Scholarship Program.
Our goal is to help five of our children take their next steps in education, recognizing the perseverance, commitment, and leadership they have demonstrated over the years.
These scholarships are intended to help cover essential educational expenses, including enrollment, uniforms, shoes, books, school supplies, transportation, and basic daily needs.
But our commitment goes beyond financial assistance.
We want to remain close to these students and their families, encouraging them through challenges, celebrating their achievements, and helping them envision possibilities that may once have seemed beyond their reach.
I want each of them to ask themselves, "What would I like to become?"
A teacher? A doctor? An engineer? An artist?
Whatever their dreams may be, I want them to know they deserve the opportunity to pursue them.
And while these first scholarships represent an important beginning, many more children still need basic school supplies, footwear, and educational support.
Our responsibility does not end when a child grows older. In many ways, it becomes even greater.
La Casita: More Than a Place to Gather
Throughout my visit, I was reminded of how important La Casita has become to the children and families we serve.
In a community where insecurity and economic hardship can place young people at risk, La Casita offers something precious: a dependable place to belong.
Every day, our programs provide children with nutritious meals, educational activities, music, sports, and opportunities to grow. We also help provide water to participating families.
As our children become adolescents, we are encouraging them to take on leadership roles, guiding and supporting the younger participants who now follow in their footsteps.
During this visit, we also worked to strengthen the environment they depend on.
Together, we painted and repaired parts of La Casita, planted a new garden, organized our storage space, and replenished educational and musical supplies.
We also acquired 35 pairs of soccer cleats for our young athletes.
I spent time with our new staff members, reinforcing the values that have guided VENtanas from the beginning, and met with local organizations and representatives from the mayor's office to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
These are the everyday efforts that make our mission possible.
But there is still much to improve.
One need that became especially clear was the importance of building El Comedor, a dedicated dining space for our children.
Today, many still eat on outdoor benches or wherever they can find room.
I dream of a place where they can sit together comfortably, share a meal, laugh, talk about their day, and experience the simple dignity of gathering around a table.
Because feeding a child is essential. But creating a place where that child feels cared for, safe, and valued matters just as much.
Our Next Chapter Begins Together
During quiet moments of my visit, I found myself wondering how we would meet these growing responsibilities.
Scholarships. School supplies. A dedicated dining space. The continued operation of our daily programs.
Then I remembered how VENtanas began five years ago.
We did not have every answer. We did not know how we would overcome every obstacle or find every resource we needed.
But we believed these children deserved a chance.
And you believed alongside us.
Our monthly supporters, annual donors, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who has given what they could have helped turn that belief into something real.
Today, children who once struggled to trust others are encouraging their younger peers. Children who first came to us looking for a meal are now preparing for high school. Young people who have grown up with VENtanas are beginning to imagine futures of their own.
During our conversations, some told me they could not imagine what their lives would have been like without VENtanas.
They spoke about what we had taught them.
I listened, thinking about how much they have taught me.
They have taught me perseverance. They have taught me courage. And they have reminded me that hope is not simply something we offer—it is something we build together, day after day.
Help Us Keep Opening Windows
Our children are growing, and their dreams are growing with them.
Now it is our turn to grow—to provide the educational opportunities, safe spaces, nourishment, and encouragement they will need for the next chapter of their lives.
Whether you choose to support a student's education, volunteer your time, provide essential supplies, or introduce someone new to our mission, you can become part of that future.
And if you would like to learn more, I would love to hear from you personally.
Write to me at impact@ventanasvenezuela.org. I would welcome the opportunity to share more about our children, our hopes, and the work ahead.
One day, I hope you will stand beside us and see how far these children have come.
We will remember how small they were, how much stood in their way, and how faithfully they kept going.
And perhaps one of them will look back and say:
“Against all odds, I made it. And someone believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself.”
With gratitude and hope,
Úrsula Alarcón
Cofounder and President
VENtanas for the Children of Venezuela
