CEADA is proud to announce that three exceptional students from rural areas of Colombia’s Pacific coast have received scholarships to study bilingual education at Universidad ÚNICA in Bogotá and secured housing at the Hogar Estudiantil of the Fundación Jaime Benítez Tobón. This invaluable support is made possible thanks to the dedication and service-oriented leadership of María Elena Benítez and her team, ensuring these students have a nurturing environment as they embark on their academic journeys.

The students are:
Jenifer Valery Ávila Angulo (Barbacoas, Nariño): From the rural area of the Guelmambí River (Gertrudis village), recently graduated from the Normal Superior de Barbacoas.
Olver Starling Mina Valencia (Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca): From the rural zone of Buenaventura, a graduate of Esther Etelvina Aramburo School.
Dhan Esteban Ortiz Solís (Tumaco, Nariño): From the rural outskirts of Tumaco, a graduate of Instituto Técnico Popular de la Costa.

These achievements represent a triumph of collective efforts to promote social and academic mobility for Afro-descendant youth. John Tovar, through his advocacy and work with CEADA, has been instrumental in securing both educational and housing opportunities for these students, furthering the organization’s mission to uplift Afro-descendant communities.

The Hogar Estudiantil provides a supportive environment where students from all over Colombia can thrive academically and personally. Its resources and central location in Bogotá enable students to focus on their studies while staying connected to a strong community network. This initiative aligns with CEADA’s mission to empower these young scholars to build brighter futures.

We extend our deepest gratitude to María Elena Benítez and the Fundación Jaime Benítez Tobón team for their commitment to supporting these students, and to Universidad ÚNICA for providing these life-changing educational opportunities. Together, these partnerships are helping rural Afro-descendant youth access the resources they need to succeed academically and create lasting change in their communities.