Kite Month in Colombia
The work in our Child Development Center in Cartago.
Nearly a year ago, we began the exciting journey of establishing Mission Life's program in my hometown of Cartago, Colombia. Today, we are blessed with dedicated volunteers working together to teach children and their mothers essential values, principles, and life skills that will transform their lives.
In August, we held two major activities: Kite Day and our ongoing teaching sessions as part of the Mothers' Program and Children’s Groups. These events focused on essential topics like self-esteem, emotions, and music with values, tailored for different age groups.
Hope and Love (Older Children): We introduced an engaging lesson on emotions such as sadness, joy, and fear, helping children identify and understand how these feelings shape their interactions with the world. This exercise, led by Claudia Suarez, emphasized how emotions help us adapt, meet our needs, and pursue our goals.
Seeds of Love (Children Ages 3-7): Led by Laura Bueno, Leidi Viviana, and Natalia, our youngest group explored the “melody of love” through music, rhythm, and laughter. These activities aim to instill foundational values in the children and provide them with life tools through creative expression.
Youth Impact (Pre-teens): Although the original plan was to discuss self-esteem, circumstances required a change of focus, and instead, Camilo Montoya led a wonderful drawing class. This creative session allowed the pre-teens to explore their artistic side while engaging in meaningful personal reflection.
School of Mothers: Leonardo Pérez, our program leader, delivered a powerful talk on the five emotional wounds that prevent us from being our true selves. This insightful discussion offered valuable guidance to mothers on personal healing and growth, ultimately strengthening their ability to guide their children.
Our second key event in August was the Kite Festival, a cultural celebration in Cartago. During this festival, our families gathered to build and fly kites, an activity proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote family unity. We participated with great enthusiasm, encouraging families to engage in this joyful tradition while also teaching environmental responsibility. Families built their kites and enjoyed an afternoon of laughter and bonding as their kites soared high. We awarded prizes for the best-designed kite and the one that flew the highest while reinforcing the importance of leaving the hills clean and respecting our environment.
Through every event and activity, we promote values such as respect, peaceful coexistence, and open communication. Our program encourages children, mothers, and volunteers to express themselves, resolve conflicts, and build strong, respectful relationships. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported—through fun activities, essential life lessons, and the love of God.
At Mission Life, we are committed to making a difference—one child, one family, and one community at a time. This program continues to evolve, showing us that transformation isn’t just for the families we serve—it begins with us as we work together to build a better world.