Every weekday, children across Cartagena come to Fundación Alimentar Colombia’s community kitchens for a hot, nutritious meal. In Cerros de Albornoz, where the organization operates seven kitchens, serving over 1,800 children daily, these spaces have become trusted places where children and families can find support.
But for many of these children, access to education is much less certain. Based on Fundación Alimentar Colombia’s internal assessments, approximately 62% of the children served by its community kitchens are not currently enrolled in school. Limited space in local schools, economic challenges, and other barriers can make it difficult for children to access and consistently attend school. As a result, many may spend their days at home without structured learning or adult supervision.
Kids First believes access to education can play an important role in helping children thrive. Learning gives children opportunities to build skills, grow their confidence, discover their interests, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
That’s why we’re pleased to support From Kitchens to Classrooms, a new initiative from Fundación Alimentar Colombia that will transform one of its existing community kitchens into a free, non-formal learning space for 100 children.
The Project
The space will offer literacy, numeracy, computer, music, art, and play-based activities guided by trained educators. Children who already visit the kitchen for meals will be able to learn in a familiar environment, without the financial or transportation barriers that can make traditional schooling difficult to access.
The project is not intended to replace formal education. Instead, it will prioritize children who are not currently enrolled in school, giving them access to meaningful learning opportunities while continuing to provide the meals they already rely on.
Designed as a pilot, From Kitchens to Classrooms will allow Fundación Alimentar Colombia to learn from the first 100 children and explore how the model could eventually expand to other community kitchens across Cartagena.
By building on spaces and relationships that already exist, this project brings two essential forms of support together: nourishment for growing bodies and opportunities to nourish growing minds.