Teaching Values through Sports

Even though Cartagena is considered one of Colombia’s booming cities in terms of tourism, it includes islands whose progress seems to have been stunted by the lack of opportunities and infrastructure. One such neighborhood is Bocachicha, which is located on the island of Tierra Bomba and is often known for it’s crystalline beaches and hospitable people.

Unfortunately, Bocachica also faces startling statistics among its youth as 30% of teenage girls end up pregnant, 25% of children join gangs or turn to crime, and 40% of children drop out of school.

To combat these concerns, Fundación Arka has decided to implement the “Fútbol con Corazón” methodology. Through it, they hope to use soccer to promote social development, empowerment, community leadership and social entrepreneurship, all while instilling values that impact and change the lives of children and teens.

Their goal? Not only to help kids make better choices and improve their lives, but also to help them become a positive impact in their communities.

In the last 5 years, the foundation has been able to achieve 0% teen pregnancies among their girls, 0% of their participants involved in crime, 34% increase in life skills for their beneficiaries, and 90% inclusion of parents in the program.

This year they hope to benefit 450 children and teens from Bocachica, but they need your help to keep implementing this program! To learn more about Fundación Arka, please click here.