CIGARRA
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Mission Statement
At Cigarra, our mission is to provide high-quality, holistic childcare to one of the most vulnerable populations in Bogotá—specifically, the community of Puertas del Paraíso in Ciudad Bolívar. This area is home to many families who have been displaced by Colombia’s long-standing civil conflict. These families often face economic hardship, social exclusion, and limited access to essential services. Cigarra exists to offer a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive despite these challenges. Every day, we welcome 185 children and youth, ranging in age from just three months to 18 years. Our youngest children—those under the age of five—receive full-time care in a nurturing setting that supports their early development. Older children, from ages five to 18, participate in our before- and after-school programs. These programs are designed not only to provide supervision but also to enhance their educational, emotional, and social growth. At the heart of our services is the belief that every child deserves a safe space to learn, play, and grow. Cigarra is more than just a daycare; it is a haven where children are given the tools to build a better future. We provide nutritious meals daily to support their physical health, as well as psychological services to address emotional and mental well-being. Our staff also assists children with their schoolwork, reinforcing what they learn in the classroom and helping them overcome academic difficulties. We understand that learning goes beyond textbooks, which is why we enrich our children’s experiences with additional programming that schools in the area are often unable to offer. Our supplementary activities include educational field trips that expose children to new places and ideas, as well as creative opportunities such as music and technology classes. These programs not only expand their horizons but also help cultivate skills and interests that can lead to future opportunities. An integral part of our community model involves intergenerational connection. Once a week, a group of senior citizens visits Cigarra to spend time with the children. These visits foster mutual respect and understanding across generations. The elders share their stories, wisdom, and companionship, creating bonds that are deeply meaningful for both age groups. These interactions teach the children empathy, patience, and the value of shared experiences. At Cigarra, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow up in an environment that nurtures resilience, curiosity, and kindness. By offering comprehensive care—physical, emotional, educational, and social—we aim to equip our children not only to overcome their current circumstances but also to thrive in the future. Our goal is to help raise confident, compassionate, and responsible young people who will one day become active and positive members of their community. Through dedicated support, a caring environment, and a belief in the potential of every child, Cigarra is planting seeds of hope and transformation. We are proud to stand with the families of Ciudad Bolívar, working every day to build a better, brighter future for their children.
About This Cause
Cigarra: A Place to Grow, Create, and Thrive Our Vision At Cigarra, we envision a world in which every child—regardless of their background or their family's financial circumstances—has access to quality childcare, education, and emotional support. We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that poverty, displacement, or trauma should never be barriers to learning, growth, and joy. Serving a Resilient Community Cigarra is based in Puertas del Paraíso, a neighborhood in Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá. This is a region marked by hardship but also incredible resilience. Many families in our community are survivors of Colombia’s armed conflict, having been displaced from rural or war-affected areas. Others face chronic poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. These families often arrive in Bogotá with few resources and little access to government services, yet they are full of hope for their children’s future. We are honored to serve these families, offering a safe, consistent, and loving environment for their children—one where healing, learning, and creativity go hand in hand. Our Model: Holistic Child Development Cigarra is far more than a daycare center. We offer a holistic, child-centered model of care that addresses every aspect of a young person’s development—intellectual, emotional, physical, and social. Our goal is to help children not just survive difficult circumstances, but to thrive and flourish in spite of them. We currently serve 185 children and youth, ranging in age from three months to 18 years. Our youngest children—those under the age of five—receive full-time, all-day care. This early childhood program lays a critical foundation for development in the most formative years of life. For older children, we provide structured before- and after-school programs. These programs are designed to reinforce learning, offer enrichment activities, and create a safe and welcoming space during hours when children might otherwise be left unsupervised. More Than a Classroom: The Cigarra Experience Our care model extends beyond academics. We recognize that for children to truly succeed, they must feel safe, nourished, engaged, and inspired. This is why we incorporate multiple elements into each child’s daily experience at Cigarra: Educational Support: We offer academic tutoring and homework assistance tailored to each child’s needs. Our staff works closely with local schools to stay aligned with curricula, while also addressing any learning gaps or challenges children may face. Nutrition: Many children in our care come from homes where food security is uncertain. Cigarra provides balanced, nutritious meals and snacks every day to support healthy physical development. Psychological and Emotional Support: Trauma, stress, and instability are common in the lives of our children. We provide access to psychological services, emotional guidance, and safe spaces for children to process their feelings and experiences. Family Engagement: We believe the best outcomes occur when caregivers are involved. We regularly engage families through meetings, workshops, and home visits, helping parents and guardians become active participants in their children’s growth. Core Focus Areas: Creativity, Expression, and 21st Century Skills Our educational philosophy places special emphasis on music, the arts, technology, English, and physical activity. These areas are not just supplementary—they are central to our mission and integral to the personal and social development of our students. Musical Development Music is at the heart of what we do. We believe that musical expression unlocks creativity, builds confidence, and fosters community. At Cigarra, children explore rhythm, melody, and musical instruments from an early age. They learn to sing, compose, and perform, whether individually or in groups. Our music program also strengthens cognitive development, memory, language, and emotional intelligence. Arts and Creative Expression We offer a range of artistic activities—from drawing and painting to theater and storytelling. These creative outlets allow children to express their thoughts and emotions in non-verbal ways. Artistic practice builds self-esteem, encourages problem-solving, and gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride. Technology and Digital Literacy In an increasingly digital world, technological fluency is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our technology program introduces children to computers, coding, and digital tools in a hands-on, age-appropriate manner. We want our students to become not just consumers of technology, but creators and innovators. English Language Learning English proficiency opens doors to further education and future employment. We introduce English through songs, games, interactive lessons, and storytelling, creating a bilingual environment that is both fun and immersive. Our goal is to build comfort and familiarity with the language from an early age. Physical Education and Play Movement is essential for children’s development. Our daily routines incorporate physical activity, organized sports, and free play. These activities support gross motor development, teamwork, discipline, and overall health. We also emphasize outdoor play, ensuring that children can connect with nature and build physical resilience. Building Community Across Generations Cigarra’s work is not just about the children—it’s about the entire community. One of our most beloved programs is our intergenerational initiative, in which local elders visit the center once a week. These seniors share stories, songs, games, and wisdom with the children, creating bonds that span generations. This program fosters respect, empathy, and a sense of belonging among all participants. Why It Matters In neighborhoods like Puertas del Paraíso, where opportunities are scarce and challenges are many, Cigarra offers a vital source of stability, encouragement, and hope. Every child who walks through our doors is met with care, respect, and belief in their potential. We are not only meeting immediate needs—we are investing in the long-term well-being and empowerment of an entire generation. Cigarra is a place where children learn not only how to read and write but also how to listen, imagine, lead, and love. It is a place where music fills the rooms, laughter echoes in the hallways, and dreams are born every day. We see each child not as a problem to be fixed, but as a promise to be nurtured. Looking Ahead Our dream is to grow and expand, reaching more families in need while deepening the support we provide. We seek partnerships with those who share our vision of a more equitable and compassionate society—where all children have the right to play, to learn, and to be safe. With the continued support of donors, volunteers, and advocates, we aim to strengthen and replicate our model so that the transformative impact of Cigarra can reach even more communities across Colombia and beyond. Together, we can build a brighter future—one child, one note, one lesson at a time.