Casita de Belen
Cali, Colombia
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 I 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 II 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 III 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.

Project Start
Phase I: November 6, 2018
Phase II: October 15, 2020
Phase III: October 25, 2022

Project End
Phase I: December 1, 2018
Phase II: November 17, 2023
Phase III: October 15, 2020