OUR MISSION
Young Hearts is a 501 (c) (3) public charity dedicated to empowering education in rural Colombia. We provide essential resources such as books, school supplies, educational tools, and English language instruction to children in underprivileged communities. Through our programs, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of these young hearts, nurturing young minds and shaping a brighter future. We believe education today is empowerment for life.
Our Story
Young Hearts was founded in 2024 by Alexa Karen, a ninth grader, after a transformative summer trip to Colombia to teach English. Accompanied by her mother and maternal grandparents, who are native Colombians, Alexa witnessed firsthand the challenges children face in rural schools.
She was struck by the reality that 19 children, ages 4 to 11 (Pre -K to 5th grade), shared a single classroom all day, without air conditioning and with only one teacher. There was no library, and while some resources, they were far from the tools she was used to. She also noticed that some children needed glasses. Despite these challenges, the students welcomed her enthusiastically and eagerly participated in her English lessons.
Inspired by this experience, Alexa founded Young Hearts to help bridge the resource gap and provide these children with the opportunities they deserve.
Young Hearts is committed to fostering brighter futures through education, equipping students with the tools they need to unlock their potential and create lasting, positive change in their communities.
What We Are Working ON
As a ninth grader, Alexa is currently leading a book drive at her school to collect books in English and Spanish for young readers in Colombia. She is also using her savings rallying support from friends and family to provide essential supplies and help children in need of glasses. Additionally, she is preparing lesson plans and activities for her return to Colombia in July, where she will continue teaching English.
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