Just back from Colombia: Our partnership with the El Rio Foundation

Journey Latin America is proud to be raising money for the El Rio Foundation next month, as part of our fundraising efforts for the worthy LATA Foundation that supports grassroots social and environmental projects across Latin America.

Based in the coastal village of Buritaca on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, this remarkable organisation is transforming lives through education, environmental programmes, and community support. Co-founded by an English backpacker, Ben Davies, who fell in love with Colombia and decided to make a difference, the El Rio Foundation operates from the award-winning Rio Hostel. What began as accommodation for travellers has evolved into a beacon of hope for one of Colombia’s most vulnerable communities.

The foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful: to break cycles of poverty and violence through education, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. In a region where many children lack basic literacy skills and parents struggle with illiteracy, the El Rio Foundation provides vital educational support, from academic tutoring to English classes and environmental education programmes.

Journey Latin America’s Travel Experts Charlotte Daubeney and Heloise Buxton recently visited the foundation to see their work first-hand. Here’s what they discovered about this inspiring organisation and why Journey Latin America has chosen to champion their cause.

What inspired you to visit the foundation in Colombia, and how did you first hear about it?

Following a talk given by the LATA Foundation about El Rio at our office, we came away so impressed by the foundation’s efforts – and aware of how much more needed to be done – that we chose El Rio as our staff charity to support in 2025. As we were planning a visit to Colombia, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to learn more about El Rio’s work in person.

Can you describe the foundation’s mission and the kind of work they do to support children’s education in the local area?

The mission of the El Rio Foundation is to positively impact the local community by providing educational, sporting, environmental, and wellbeing programmes to children and adults, with a focus on empowering young people to overcome socio-economic challenges. The foundation supports children’s education through academic tutoring to help children catch up on missed schooling, community English classes, and environmental education programmes focused on sustainable resource management and biodiversity. They also offer art, sports, and wellbeing programmes to develop soft skills, boost confidence, and provide community engagement opportunities for children in Buritaca, Colombia.

What was your first impression when you arrived at the foundation?

The hostel is the headquarters from which the foundation operates. We first met the team at the football pitch where we soon got stuck in with the volunteers and children in a litter picking exercise of the pitch before taking part in multi-sport games. There were lots of volunteers on hand, all enthusiastic and proud of the work being carried out.

After the games, the volunteers explained that by making this a regular activity (and not just telling the children to not litter), they hoped the children would understand the importance of not dropping rubbish. We thought this was fantastic and not what we were expecting. Charlotte, “I’m in awe of how much El Rio is doing. I had assumed the focus was solely on education, but seeing how a simple game of football can bring the community together and teach valuable skills helped me appreciate how the organisation supports the community on many levels.”

The hostel, Rio Hostel, was named Community Hero – Best Hostel in the World by Hostelworld in 2024 in recognition of their hard work. They also run a breakfast club for 2–5-year-olds in a small centre, as there are limited childcare facilities outside of the family. The children enjoy singing, finger painting, and many other activities.

How does the foundation tailor its educational programmes to meet the specific needs of the local community?

They initially set out to teach English but soon realised that many children couldn’t read or write in Spanish, and many parents were illiterate. So, they began adapting an education plan for both children and adults. They also work with indigenous communities located roughly two hours inland. These communities have different cultural values, which the El Rio Foundation is sensitive to, and they tailor their support accordingly.

Were there any stories or individuals you met that left a lasting impact on you?

We really enjoyed talking to the volunteers and hearing how the foundation inspired them. One volunteer was a former professional Colombian footballer! It was incredibly humbling to witness people’s kindness and passion for the region.

What challenges does the foundation face, and how are they working to overcome them?

El Rio Foundation faces new challenges every day and is constantly seeking more volunteers, as they lack the resources and capacity to meet all the needs of the community.

How do you think initiatives like this one contribute to long-term change in the region?

They give hope to a community that has suffered extreme violence and poverty for decades. By investing in education, encouraging care for the region, and promoting mutual respect, they are taking positive steps toward a better future.

How can clients help make a difference?

The work of the El Rio Foundation is vital, but they can’t do it alone. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference to the children and families of Buritaca.

Your support could fund:

– Educational materials and tutoring sessions for children who’ve missed crucial schooling

– Breakfast club provisions for toddlers who might otherwise go hungry

– Environmental education programmes that teach sustainable practices

– Sports equipment and activities that bring the community together

– Volunteer training and resources

Journey Latin America is committed to raising funds to support this incredible foundation. When you travel with us to Colombia, you’re not just experiencing the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes – you’re contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for some of its people.

Ready to support the El Rio Foundation?

Visit our JustGiving page to make a donation and support our 20km London charity walk in October: www.justgiving.com/page/jla-el-rio-2025.

Learn more about the foundation’s work: www.elriofoundationco.org. Together, we can help transform lives in one of Colombia’s most deserving communities.