OLSA International and the OLSA Foundation are dedicated to arming people with opportunities to help themselves build a future. We are firm believers in the old adage:
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.
Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring, is a common destination point for much of the tourism in Colombia. With its temperate climate and friendly people, on the surface, the city seems to be teaming with life. However, throughout the city exists severe problems with opportunity, especially in the vast low-income areas. Without opportunity, the worst elements of society become evident: crime, drugs, prostitution, instability, hopelessness.
Medellin is separated into socio-economic neighborhoods, called “estratos”. These estratos are numbered from one to six. The higher the estrato, the more well-off you are financially. The lower the estrato, the less well-off you are; possibly living in shanties in the foothills of Medellin with little to no electricity or formal plumbing.
Many people in Colombia live in multi-generational housing due to the limited opportunities for making a sustainable wage. This practice is much more extreme in the lower income estratos. For most in this situation, there is no hope of escaping this extreme poverty. However, we, at The OLSA Foundation, believe a person, with hard work and dedication, really can “change their stars.”
If we can reach just one person in each household and equip them with additional educational skills, especially through conversational English classes, camps and workshops (practical English, not just theoretical) that person can acquire a much higher paying job and support his/her immediate and extended family; taking them out of poverty and the perils that often accompany it (as mentioned in the principle paragraph). We are not looking to improve just one life, but entire households: entire families.
WHAT IS THE MONTHLY GOAL?
Here in Colombia, a small donation goes a long way. Our basic monthly administrative needs including rent, utilities, supplies, equipment and salaries for our six-person team (plus volunteers) is approximately $8,000 USD. Financial support in excess of this amount is used to provide quality English-based education for ambitious low-income Colombians.
Opportunities Through English
$6,000 monthly to fully fund
The OLSA Foundation has a strategic partnership with OLSA International academy to use their native English teachers from the USA and Canada to teach conversational English to OLSA Foundation participants. In this partnership the school will receive a maximum of 80 Foundation participants at a 20% discount for a six-month conversational English course (typically 8-12 participants per month). Foundation participants must be self-motivated, driven, demonstrate ambition to learn English and must adhere to a strict attendance policy. This program is for children (8 years and above), teens and adults.
Weekend English Camps and Workshops
$3,000 monthly to fully fund
The OLSA Foundation works with governmental and non-governmental agencies, and other local foundations to provide direct and indirect support for English-based camps and workshops. The endgame for these camps and workshops is to interact with the community, provide English instruction and an understanding of North American culture, history and ethics. It also provides us the opportunity for recruitment into the Opportunities for English program. This program is for children (8 years and above), teens and adults.
English Bible Study
$3,000 monthly to fully fund
The OLSA Foundation has excellent relationships with several Christian Churches and American seminary pastors in Medellin. We are happy to support weekly Bible studies in English at these churches and other venues with the missionary pastors. This program is for teens and adults.
How Can I Donate?
We are so glad you asked that question! Your donation is very important to the OLSA Foundation and all the people it provides for. Keep in mind that your donation is tax deductible in the United States. Simply click on the value you wish to donate and complete the tax deduction form provided. Our foundations will send you a “Thank you” letter and the tax deduction receipt.
RECEIVE SPANISH LESSONS FOR YOUR DONATION!
Donate to The OLSA Foundation and receive tax deductible private Spanish classes, certified Spanish courses, and a number of Colombia-based excursions! See about your tax-deductible education by clicking on the two links below!
Spanish Course Catalog (link: https://www.olsafoundation.org/course-catalog)
Excursions Catalog (link: https://www.olsafoundation.org/excursions-catalog)
We are always adding new experiences, so check back often!!
Be a brick in the foundation of another’s life.
Ministry No. F1673
Program Countries: Colombia
Focuses: Christian Education
Website: http://OLSAFOUNDATION.ORG
Team Lead: Shane Keeley
Team Members: Jenny Contreras, Olsa International Academy Team
Phone: +57 311 394 0669
Call our donations department toll free 1-855-573-8483 or local 1-719-428-3965
Office hours are 9am – 5pm (MST) Monday to Friday. (Office is closed on stat holidays)
Email donations@friendsgc.com – Please do not send credit card numbers via email.
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Since 2014, Friends of the Great Commission has enabled ministry partners to thrive by providing charity admin expertise and guidance while promoting collaboration in fulfilling the Great Commission.
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