Monday
As the Leadership in Action programme neared its conclusion, our focus shifted towards showcasing our work over the past weeks. Monday morning was left unscheduled, giving me a rare moment of calm. I began the day with my usual spinning class, a routine that had become a source of stability amidst the whirlwind of activities. Later, some teammates bumped into me at breakfast. Knowing the end was near, I focused on completing the final report for Picacho con Futuro, which required my full attention and focus.
In the afternoon, all the scholars were invited to a showcase at Casa Tres Patios (C3P). The event began with a city tour starting at Parque Berrío, where we were introduced to the diverse layers of life in Medellín—from bustling tourist spots to quieter, lesser-known areas like a community for transgender people and a flea market. This tour offered a new perspective on a city I thought I was beginning to understand. My initial impressions of the area, formed during a brief Uber ride through a pungent, unwelcoming part of the city, were challenged as I learned more about its history and the people who live there.
Back at C3P, we were asked to describe Medellín through our senses—our first impressions, the colours, sounds, and smells that defined the city for us. My initial impression had been "dangerous," a reflection of the concerns expressed by my family and friends when they learned I was travelling to Colombia. While that initial caution remained, I had come to appreciate Medellín’s beauty despite its complexities. I chose "green" as the colour representing the city, a nod to the surprising amount of greenery amidst the brick-red houses that dotted the mountainsides. The constant rhythms of upbeat melodies filled the air wherever I went, day and night, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere that seemed to be the city’s heartbeat. Meanwhile, the smell of petrol was a constant reminder of the city’s vibrant yet gritty atmosphere.
Tuesday
Tuesday marked the day of the Picacho con Futuro showcase, culminating our efforts over the past few weeks. After an intense cardio boxing class in the morning, I dealt with some administrative tasks before diving into the preparations for the showcase. Although I was not the main organiser, the day proved to be challenging. Our showcase featured posters with photos and descriptions of the four workshops and the field trip we had conducted. However, the event began with some chaos due to a shortage of recyclable materials—an issue rooted in miscommunication within our team and with the organisation. Fortunately, we managed to continue with the event despite these setbacks.
The children began by building bridges using recyclable materials like plastic bottles, waste paper, and cans. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they dug through the materials and energetically stepped on the plastic bottles, testing the limits of their creations. This activity was not just about building bridges; it was about connecting the pieces of their learning experiences, much like we had been doing throughout the programme. The excitement of the children, as they repeatedly crossed the bridges they built, mirrored our journey of learning and growth.
Following the bridge-building, we led a mind map activity that echoed the first mind map exercise we had conducted at the start of the programme. We asked the children to depict their visions for the future, and they eagerly shared their ideas, filling the map with hopes and dreams. The showcase ended on a high note, with positive feedback from the organisation, volunteers, and fellow scholars reaffirming the impact of our work.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, we returned to UPB to prepare our final deliverables, including a poster documenting the achievements of the three groups within our programme. This poster was to serve as a visual summary of what we had accomplished with the organisations we partnered with and through the makesense framework. As we worked on the poster and a PowerPoint presentation for our farewell party, the reality of the programme’s end began to sink in.
In the afternoon, we attended the final showcase at Sueños y Huellas, marking the last of the three organisations’ presentations. Sebastian, Michelle, and Echo had organised a series of activities, including making drinks, playing with flour dough, and an engaging Kahoot session with 33 questions about Colombia and the organisation. The energy was high, and not just among the children—all the scholars were fully immersed in the activities, making this final showcase memorable.
Thursday
Thursday began with a reflective gathering on the grass at UPB, where we discussed what to keep, drop, and improve about the programme. The open-air setting seemed to invite openness, and we shared our thoughts on logistics, programme content, and the overall experience. It was a moment of collective introspection, with the hope that our feedback would contribute to the improvement of the programme for future cohorts.
In the afternoon, we returned to Picacho con Futuro for one last session with the children. They were engaged in a drawing class, where they were asked to place their thoughts into envelopes. It was only later that I realised these envelopes were meant for us—a gesture from the children to share their feelings and reflections on our time. Receiving these envelopes, filled with drawings and messages, was incredibly touching and served as a poignant reminder that all things must come to an end. During our debrief with Adrián, the director, he suggested that we could have further explored topics like deforestation and other sustainability issues. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to delve deeper into these areas. As a farewell gift, Adrián presented each of us with handmade bags or cushions, crafted by women at the centre using upcycled materials—a fitting tribute to the sustainability themes we had worked on.
Later that day, I travelled down from Picacho con Futuro with local volunteers via cable car and metro—my first experience with Medellín’s metro system. I was impressed by how clean and efficient it was, despite the rush-hour crowds reminding me of Hong Kong.
Thursday night marked the true closing ceremony. All the scholars presented the PowerPoint we had prepared earlier, showcasing our achievements and expressing our gratitude to the staff and volunteers who had supported us throughout the journey. The night ended in celebration as we danced to salsa and other Latin tunes, bringing our incredible journey to a joyful close.
Friday
Friday was my final day in Medellín, and it was hard to believe how quickly the five weeks had passed. Beyond saying goodbye to the makesense team and Laidlaw scholars, I also had to part with the friends I had made in my daily gym class. My last day was marked by a final Food Friday organised by the scholars. We gathered at Home Burger, where Oliver and Michelle had organised a surprise Laidlaw Scholars Prize Giving Ceremony. The awards highlighted fun memories and inside jokes from our time in Medellín—like Echo's myth that Hong Kong has penguins or Michelle being the best dancer of the group. The night was filled with laughter and memories. Daniela also prepared a surprise for us with souvenirs from Medellín, including candles and, of course, Colombia’s famous coffee. Muchas gracias to Oliver and Michelle for organising such a fun and unforgettable prize-giving ceremony, and to all the scholars for their companionship throughout this journey. Ciao, everyone!