History

Born from our staff’s strong connection to communities in Bogotá and the Colombia Lacrosse Association, LtN programs in Colombia have been long in the making.

LtN programs were planned after a number of conversations around the need to provide greater sports and education alternatives to children in Bogotá and surrounding communities. After connecting with several partners schools in the municipality of Tenjo (located 40 minutes from Bogotá) the decision was made to launch pilot programming in August 2019 with the help of the Palos Verdes High School Boy’s Lacrosse Team.

Seeing success in the pilot phase, LtN programs began full-time in February 2020. In addition to introducing children in rural Tenjo to a wider scope of recreational skills and activities, LtN programs offer student-athletes academic support and mentorship in school. Through our life skills curriculum and after-school practices, we introduce children to new concepts, lessons, & opportunities in their community.

Our Programs

LtN Staff runs after school lacrosse programming for 5th and 6th graders. In addition to administering PE courses for all grade levels at Enrique Santos Montejo School, we aim to add after school tutoring in conjunction with practices in the new year.

In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Coach Oscar has been providing 1-on-1 tutoring and lacrosse sessions with student-athletes who are struggling to find a balance with virtual learning. Oscar travels to families’ homes within his community to provide one hour of homework support and one hour of lacrosse skill work outside, getting our kids ready to jump back on the field when schools re-open!

FUNDACION TALENTO 21

Fundación Talento 21 is a non-profit organization based in Tenjo, Colombia, founded on May 4, 2016. They are dedicated to promoting quality education through regenerative pedagogy, offering innovative educational models and strategies to both public and private institutions. Their mission is to strengthen teaching and learning processes, ensuring that every child receives a quality education.

Fundación Talento 21 operates a small farm called "Tamacha," meaning "unite with purpose" in the Muisca language, where they implement pedagogical, environmental, scientific, artistic, and multicultural strategies. They are committed to improving communication skills, critical thinking, and overall performance in children, fostering a brighter future for the community.

COLEGIO VALLE DE TENJO

Valle de Tenjo, is a public school located in Tenjo, Colombia. The school serves students from pre-school through secondary education, offering both traditional and new school educational models. The institution is committed to providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes academic excellence and personal development. With a focus on rural education, Colegio Valle de Tenjo aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future endeavors.

Interested in getting involved? Last year we hosted more than 50 volunteers at our Medellin site. Visit our team trips page to learn more!

About Tenjo

2019 Exhibition Games

With lacrosse being a new and unique sport in the community of Tenjo, our partners at Enrique Santos Montejo School requested that LtN put on an exhibition match after school for their student body to come and observe in September of 2019. The day was filled with fun competition, new friends cheering each other on, some confusion by onlookers, and excited anticipation for the launch of programs!

Local Partners