“I am very happy to have finished my bachelor’s degree. Thanks to the support of the Valórate Foundation and the Valida Ya program to culminate my process, where it is never too late, no matter the age, the important thing is that wanting is being able. Thank you very much”.
The testimony is from Lina Villada, one of the 10 women who regained her freedom and is now looking for a second chance to continue her life legally. Thanks to the support provided by the ValoraT Foundation and an alliance in which we participated with Without Borders Corp, she received her bachelor’s degree and with it, the illusion of a better life.
The graduation ceremony was offered to a total of 11 beneficiaries, 10 women and one man, and was held at ECCI University in the company of family, friends and representatives of both organizations. Among the graduates, the presence of Lady María Tabares, Colombian natural actress, businesswoman and writer recognized for her leading role in the movie La vendedora de rosas, directed by Víctor Gaviria, stood out.
“I am very excited not only for me but for all of us and I want to thank all the wonderful team that today makes possible this great dream come true, because the fact that each of us who graduated today is here, was because you believed in us, in our desire to make a difference and to change the history from which we come …”, said Tabares.
The Valida Ya program began on September 11, 2023 and for 8 months the participants dedicated a total of eight hours a week to their studies, combining four hours of on-site accompaniment with four hours of work from home. Each student was supported by a tutor who offered personalized assistance and facilitated the use of digital tools, crucial for the development of the course.
Throughout the program, the students faced many challenges, including a lack of knowledge of office tools and the need to understand complex topics such as economics. However, thanks to the dedication of the tutors and the commitment of the beneficiaries, the obstacles were overcome.
“I want to thank all the people who made this possible today. I am happy and excited because I had the opportunity to accompany the entire process of the girls throughout the development of their baccalaureate and you really cannot imagine how significant this space is for them, for their families and for their lives in general. It is the first step of many things to come for them” – Sara Vidal, Social Worker of the Valórate Foundation.
One of the achievements of the program was the students’ mastery of the platform and their improvement in computer skills. In addition, they achieved significant learning in various areas of knowledge through the interactive methodology of the course.
Strategic alliances that transform lives
The collaboration between Without Borders Corp, La Fundación Valórate, La Fundación Jump, La Universidad ECCI and One Inversión Social has been crucial in providing the resources and support necessary for the transformation of lives, where they have not only provided the opportunity for educational validation, but also the emotional and professional support necessary for the participants to build a promising future.
Recommendations
“…very admired and grateful to all these corporations and institutions that have allied and crossed paths so that these girls can graduate. I would especially like to thank One Inversión Social for being part of this dream of these girls” – says Victor Gaviria, Colombian film director.
During the ceremony, the graduates shared their gratitude, experiences and testimonies, highlighting how the program has changed their lives. “One of the things that motivated me to be in the program were the second chances, the new beginnings, the new projects we have for our lives. Thank you very much for all the support you have given us” – says Diana Grisales, a graduate of the program.
This step is a great start. With a more solid educational foundation, the graduates are better prepared to face the challenges of the working world and continue their personal and professional development. In addition, they will be eligible for higher education scholarships and will continue to receive support in their training to ensure that they can access dignified jobs that will benefit them, their families and society in general.
