We returned to Mi Barrio, Mi Sueño to continue working on the new playground in La Honda. This meant hours under the hot Medellín sun, moving rocks, leveling dirt, and making space for the swings and slide that would soon be installed. I rarely do physical labor like that, and it made me very aware of my privilege – we could step in, help for a few hours, and then leave, but for so many people, work like this is part of their daily reality. I was also really impacted by seeing how invested the community was, as the neighbors were practically leading these efforts. Afterward, they invited us into their home for lunch, and their warmth and generosity is something I’ll never forget.
Later in the week, we visited the Museo Casa de la Memoria, Medellín’s history and memory museum. Walking through the exhibits and learning more about Colombia’s decades of violence was honestly really hard, especially because my own family has been directly affected by the armed conflict. It was a difficult visit, but it reaffirmed my commitment to working for a more just and caring and peaceful world.
We also ran two art workshops with the kids at Picacho con Futuro, where they used recycled materials to create a large mural of their neighborhood. Each child designed and built their own house, along with other landmarks like the cable car, soccer field, and schools. It was definitely a bit chaotic at times, but seeing the kids’ creativity and excitement made it worth it. I also realized how important organizations like this one are in giving children opportunities and helping them see that they, their views, and their dreams all matter.
We also worked on one of our main initiatives, which was creating a sustainability pamphlet for Picacho con Futuro. After multiple prototypes, we finalized a version with tips on recycling, reusing, and reducing, aimed at making environmental knowledge accessible to the entire community. I hope this resource continues to circulate in Picacho as a tool for both awareness and collective action.