From banana fields to bold dreams

When Kaner first visited the University of Magdalena, he turned to his teacher and said quietly, “I hope that one day I can study here.” 

For a boy growing up in Colombia’s Banana Zone, it was a bold dream. In this region, poverty is rife and educational opportunities are few. Most families rely on work in the banana plantations, earning very low wages. Homes are often unfinished and overcrowded, with several family members sharing a room, sometimes even the same bed.

As financial pressures grow, young people are often forced to take on extra responsibilities at home. Some even drop out of school to find informal work to contribute to their family’s income. 

However, it is not only financial pressure that makes children’s futures uncertain. Many of our children have absent parents, dysfunctional families and live with a lack of love and affection, causing trauma, depression and anxiety and leaving deep emotional scars. The presence of alcohol abuse, drugs and illegal groups in the community exposes young people to further risk. 

As a result, young people struggle with hopelessness, low self-worth and a lack of parental support. With so many obstacles standing between children and their education, Stand by Me is focused on ensuring every child can hold onto their aspirations, pursue their education and reach a brighter future. 

At the Emmanuel Care Centre, children find something many have never experienced before: safety, stability and care. We support 230 children and each one receives nutritious meals, healthcare, hygiene items, clothing, shoes and a safe place to have fun. With their essential needs met, children become healthier, their wellbeing grows and they are ready to learn. 

Many carry the weight of trauma, neglect or poor mental health and so our psychologists help them process their experiences and overcome trauma. Alongside this, our teachers ensure every child feels valued, loved and cared for. 

The care centre also provides spiritual support through Bible clubs, prayer support and the guidance and encouragement of our staff, helping children understand that with God’s help they can face all of life’s challenges. 

To truly enable children to work towards their aspirations, we provide quality educational support. For children whose parents cannot help with schoolwork, the care centre becomes a place to learn, with access to computers, resources and engaging teaching. 

As they grow older, we help them look ahead through mentorship, university visits and guidance on career pathways, with tutoring to help them succeed in national exams and access further education. 

“Guiding students to focus on their future can be crucial. This allows them to envision a life different from their current social and economic circumstances. Likewise, it is important to teach them that God is their provider, that there are people who support their education and that God desires a promising future for them.”- Bibiana, Colombia Director 

Thanks to this care and encouragement, children like Kaner can begin to dream. Kaner, joined the Emmanuel Care Centre at five-years-old. His father had abandoned the family to live with another partner, no longer supporting Kaner and making the family’s financial circumstances challenging. 

But through years of support, Kaner began to believe his life could be different. After visiting the University of Magdalena, his dream took root. Though admission is highly competitive, he worked hard with our support every step of the way. 

Kaner obtained a good result in the national exams and the care centre nominated him for a full scholarship to the University of Magdalena, the place he had dreamed of attending since his visit. When he discovered he had been accepted to study Industrial Engineering, it was a moment of joy, not just for him, but for his mother and the staff who had supported, encouraged and believed in him. 

Today, Kaner is in his first year at university, studying diligently and building the future he once only imagined. His story is a testament to how God fulfils dreams. 

“Stand by Me has meant a great deal to me. Thanks to its support throughout my childhood, I was able to enter university and pursue one of my greatest dreams: obtaining a professional degree. I am deeply grateful for everything the project has done for me, as it has played a fundamental role in helping me move closer to achieving my life goals.” - Kaner 

Kaner’s story shows what becomes possible when children are given the support they need. We are seeing fewer children drop out of school and more young people pursuing their dreams. This year, Stand by Me is supporting 26 students in higher education, covering tuition, accommodation, transport and living costs. Thanks to God’s provision and to the investment in children’s lives by the care centre staff, many more children can follow in their footsteps as they receive life-changing care and are inspired to dream big.