Casita de Belén - Phase I, II & III

Maestro Cares Foundation partnered with Grupo Trusot and SLOAN to fund a comprehensive three-phase expansion of Casita de Belen orphanage in Cali, Colombia. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the quality of care for over 170 children ages 0-8 who live in Casita de Belen because of abandonment and physical vulnerability.

Phase 1 involved financing the construction of new facilities to accommodate up to 70 children. This new building features a turf soccer field, an audiovisual room, a library, a gymnasium, a multipurpose room, and a play area. The second floor includes additional dormitories to increase capacity. These upgrades provide children with opportunities for play, reading, and physical activity, promoting their overall development.

Phase 2 focused on demolishing an existing structure to construct a new two-story building with a terrace. The first floor includes three classrooms for children ages 0-5, an administrative office, a psychology office, and a filing room. The second floor provides dormitories for 25 additional children, along with bathrooms, a faculty room, and a computer lab. The terrace on the top floor serves as a recreational area. After the completion of Phase 2, the orphanage’s capacity expanded to accommodate 100 kids.

Phase 3 concentrated on enhancing educational infrastructure by adding seven new classrooms, expanding the dining area, and building a ramp to connect the first and second floors for improved accessibility. The completion of Phase 3 resulted in the accommodation of 125 kids, and it is still growing.

The long-term goal of this project is to enable the orphanage and school to increase capacity by 40%. As of 2024, the expansion has already achieved a 25% increase in capacity. This strategic partnership underscores a commitment to creating nurturing environments that foster growth and development, providing a brighter future for the children of Casita de Belén.

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