One of the most vulnerable and forgotten regions in northern Colombia, La Guajira was recently visited by 15 committed employees from our Americas office. Through this impactful Dialectica CSR initiative, they wholeheartedly supported the great dream that NGO Proyecto Guajira has had since its foundation in 2016: “Not one more child dying of malnutrition in La Guajira.”
During 5 days and 4 nights, the diverse group of volunteers engaged with and gave back to the Wayúu community through different activities such as delivering essential groceries, participating in cleaning brigades, sharing with the local kids and community and supporting construction works at the Potsipa ethno-development center, a soon to open project that seeks to promote the development of its ranchería through education and a sustainable model that extends its impact to all the inhabitants.
“Despite the harsh conditions, every single volunteer gave their very best by helping, learning, supporting and spending quality time with the Wayúu children and adults”, said Diego Niño, coordinator of the volunteering opportunity. “At the end what mattered the most was inspiring and making the local children smile while driving change with significant actions that will offer a better and brighter future for the impacted Wayúu community.”
Apart from the hard work carried out with the locals, the volunteers also had time to bond and strengthen their own personal relationships, recharge under the magical desert sky and enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscapes of Cabo de la Vela such as the Pilon de Azucar and the solar powered Lighthouse. A once in a lifetime opportunity, on the second night the team was surprised by a meteorite falling down to Earth!
“Thanks to each one of you, we have been able to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most,” said Ernesto Rojas, founder of Proyecto Guajira. “We are deeply grateful for all that you did. Thank you for always being there and for being part of this beautiful mission!”
One of the main goals of Proyecto Guajira is to involve people from all over the world and raise awareness about the situation in which Wayúu indigenous people live, as well as the importance of their culture. Each year this non-profit offers several trips in which volunteers travel through the most beautiful areas of the region and carry out activities with the communities to generate a sense of belonging and new actors of change.
First of its kind in Dialectica, this initiative was not just about volunteering, but embodying the company’s values and creating a lasting impact in vulnerable communities where it’s needed the most.
