A Place to Learn, A Place to Encounter Christ

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MANO AMIGA / COLOMBIA

Located in the rural community of Barandillas in Zipaquirá, Colombia, Mano Amiga is dedicated to serving children from vulnerable families through a formation rooted in the Gospel. As the only private school accessible to this population—where more than 98% of families live in poverty—the school provides not only academic instruction but also integral formation that nurtures faith, virtue, and human dignity.

To continue this mission, Mano Amiga seeks to construct and furnish a 64-square-meter classroom, completing a new wing and expanding its capacity to welcome more students. Due to limited space, many children in need are unable to access this formation, despite relying on scholarships for support.

This new classroom will create an environment where students can grow in knowledge while deepening their relationship with Christ through ongoing spiritual formation. By expanding its facilities, Mano Amiga will be better equipped to accompany more children in their intellectual and spiritual development, forming them as persons of faith, hope, and charity.

PROJECT UPDATES

Building a Future Rooted in Faith

September 2026

Thanks to the generosity of Catholic World Mission donors, Mano Amiga School in Barandillas, Colombia, successfully constructed and equipped a new classroom, creating much-needed space for both education and faith formation. Originally planned as an academic classroom, the space was ultimately designated as the Primary Atrium for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (El Buen Pastor) Level II program, providing a dedicated environment where students can deepen their relationship with Christ while receiving an integral Catholic education. The Atrium will directly benefit 146 elementary students, many from low-income and vulnerable families, who can encounter Christ in a personal way, deepening their faith through prayer, Scripture, and reflection. This formation helps nurture future disciples by fostering a lifelong love for God and His Church.

By expanding space for catechesis and formation, your generosity will nurture the spiritual growth of vulnerable children while reinforcing the school's mission to provide an integral Catholic education rooted in faith, character, and service.

Despite construction delays, exchange-rate challenges, and additional electrical infrastructure costs, the project was completed successfully through local fundraising and strong community support.

Partner Voice- "Catholic World Mission's investment made the construction of the new Atrium possible. By expanding functional space and improving learning conditions, the project strengthens the school's capacity to provide high-quality education and faith formation, contributing to greater opportunities for vulnerable children and helping break cycles of poverty and educational exclusion."

Building the Future: Expanding Educational and Faith Formation at Mano Amiga

May 2026

Thanks to donor support, Mano Amiga School continues to expand its infrastructure to provide a safe, dignified, and faith-centered learning environment for 380 students. The construction of a new classroom is addressing critical space limitations and strengthening the school’s capacity to deliver both academic excellence and integral Catholic formation. This investment is already fostering long-term transformation for students, families, and the broader community.

"The expanded infrastructure strengthens Mano Amiga’s ability to sustain high-quality, integral Catholic education… contributing to student retention, academic performance, and holistic formation." - Partner Voice

The expanded classroom will serve not only as an academic space but also as a center for faith formation activities, allowing for deeper integration of Catholic values into daily school life. Students will benefit from enhanced opportunities for catechesis, prayer, and pastoral initiatives, reinforcing the school’s mission of holistic formation—spiritually, academically, and socially. This environment supports the development of faith-filled leaders who are prepared to serve their communities with compassion and purpose.

Although construction is still in progress, this project is already laying the foundation for lasting change. With continued donor generosity, Mano Amiga is building more than classrooms—it is forming future leaders, strengthening families, and advancing the mission of the Church. Together, we are creating opportunities for young people to thrive in faith, education, and life.