LIA Week 1: Medellín, make_sense, Reminiscences

“You’ll be able to’t love what you do not know, and you’ll’t really feel enthusiastic about what you do not perceive” – @Daniela Garavito 

Studying about Medellín

My first week in Medellín, Colombia, conducting a leadership-in-action venture hosted by make_sense, has been a mixture of new experiences and reflection. The preliminary days have been all about getting conversant in this system, the nation, and the overarching themes of peace and social resilience. The make_sense group, notably Daniela and David, have been instrumental on this course of, sharing their huge data about Medellín and the various aspects of social volunteering and charity work.

One of the vital impactful experiences this week was our go to to the Museo Casa de las Memorias (Home of Reminiscence Museum). This museum is a political and social venture developed to symbolize communities affected by violence and to have fun resilience in Medellín. Created by the Fee of Fact and a whole bunch of locals, it shares the tales of those that have endured violence. Many components of the museum have been truthfully onerous to place into phrases—it’s extra of a sense. Our information, Simon, defined the meticulous care that went into the structure, each inside and outside. For instance, as you enter the primary room, you’re confronted with a mirror, prompting a second of self-reflection.

“It isn’t nearly surviving but in addition about dwelling, and this museum is a testomony to that.” – @David Gaviria Acevedo 

Medellín’s historical past is complicated having confronted many difficulties inside its politics, economic system and geography. The town’s geography, surrounded by the Andes Mountains, as soon as served as a strategic benefit for cartels. Nonetheless, the identical geography now symbolizes hope and renewal. The implementation of progressive city tasks, such because the escalators and metro system connecting impoverished neighbourhoods to town centre, has performed a vital position in bridging financial disparities and fostering social cohesion. 

On the museum, we met a girl named Selina, who launched us to the observe of making an ‘Adiato’. This includes putting soil on a material with a seed and a phrase that displays one thing you want to develop and flourish. I selected ‘group’. We then tied the material and buried it, permitting a tree to develop and carry our intentions into the earth. This observe resonated deeply with me, encapsulating the spirit of Medellín’s journey of resilience and energy.

Working with Sueños y Huellas

A key element of my venture is collaborating with Sueños y Huellas, a corporation devoted to guiding, supporting, and empowering individuals in danger and in social vulnerability. Based in 2014, Sueños y Huellas simply celebrated its tenth anniversary (woop woop!). The organisation has three foremost tasks:

• Childhood in Household: Offering complete help to kids from boarding homes in Medellín via meals, training, and safety.
• A Hand on the Means: Providing help to younger girls aged 16-24 who’ve accomplished drug rehabilitation packages.
• Transformation: Giving worldwide volunteers the chance to expertise Medellín whereas collaborating with the area people.

Working alongside two different Laidlaw Students, @Echo Yongqi Luo and @Pui Yan Lee Michelle, our aim is to help the non-profit with funding and communication methods over the following 5 weeks. However first, to seek out the best solutions, we should ask heaps and many questions. Addressing complicated points like funding, particularly inside a cultural context overseas to us, requires thorough understanding. (Particularly with our tough around-the-edges Spanish talking expertise). Nonetheless, the make_sense group has been guiding us via a considerate course of that prioritizes empathy and ideation. We’re beginning by understanding the group internally, its beneficiaries, stakeholders, and the broader social context. I’m desperate to work with such an unbelievable group and contribute to their mission of supporting the individuals of Medellín. In case you are keen on studying extra about Sueños y Huellas, try their web site – which was really designed by Laidlaw Students final 12 months!

Exploring Medellín

Past the venture, I’ve had the prospect to discover this vibrant metropolis, soaking in its tradition and beautiful landscapes. Medellín is way hotter than Leeds, and up to now, I’ve managed to keep away from sunburn (fingers crossed it stays that means!). From watching Colombia attain the finals in Copa America, visiting the botanical gardens, and spending nearly three hours on a fundamental meals store (Exito Wow didn’t disappoint), I’m making an attempt to soak up as a lot as potential throughout my time right here. It’s a privilege to be in such a tremendous place, and I’m wanting ahead to the weeks forward.