Who are we?
Michael visited Colombia as a volunteer to Puerto Colombia. He loved the experience so much that he went back to live and work in coastal Colombia for 6 years. Throughout that time he made many contacts in the region. Michael can give you a clear idea of what to expect to experience during your stay in Colombia and can help you get prepared for your volunteer term. Michael currently lives in Michigan but travels regularly to Colombia. Michael is a Michigan State University graduate and currently works in Information Technology for a finance company.
Emir was born and raised in Puerto Colombia. He was originally a homestay for volunteers but has moved on to become one of the primary contacts in the region. Currently living in Barranquilla, he and his wife and three daughters continue to remain involved with volunteers. Emir will be your primary contact in Barranquilla (the largest city near Puerto Colombia). Emir received his undergraduate from Universidad del Atlantico and has received several certifications from Universidad del Norte. He is fluent in English and works as a Project Manager for an international pharmaceutical company.
Wilman is the principal of Francisco Javier Cisneros (an academy style school which serves kindergarten through 11 grade) and he is the number 1 promoter of bilingualism in Puerto Colombia. He will be your primary contact within the Puerto Colombia. Wilman is fluent in English and can help you navigate the day to day within the school and the town. Wilman has a doctorate in Education from Universidad del Norte and is very well connected in the Colombian education system.
What do we do?
At Manos a la Obra we wanted to give back to Puerto Colombia and continue to improve the academic offerings for it’s constituents. Through a partnership with the ministry of education and the mayor of Puerto Colombia, we send native English speaking volunteers to the Francisco Javier Cisneros school (kindergarten through graduation) for either a semester (Jan – June or July – Nov) or an entire year (Jan – Nov)
The volunteer experience is not just about enhancing the English program in Puerto Colombia, but its also important for the volunteers to develop themselves. It will undoubtedly change the way you look at the world and increase appreciation for the opportunities we have.