Glasswing International
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Glasswing International, founded in 2007 in El Salvador, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the root causes and effects of violence and poverty by empowering youth and communities through education and health programs. Operating in 12 countries, the organization uses grassroots, evidence-based approaches and cross-sector partnerships to create opportunities for children and youth, nurturing them as local changemakers. Over the years, Glasswing has expanded across Latin America and the Caribbean, reaching over 10 million people and collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society to build capacity and ensure sustainable, long-term impact.
Country Information
Colombia faces significant educational disparities that particularly affect children and youth, with over 289,295 primary-age children out of school in 2022. Rural areas see a dropout rate of over 65% among youth aged 17 to 20. These challenges are exacerbated by exclusion and systemic barriers. They highlight the need for programs like the Community Schools for Change project, which aim to enhance academic performance, support emotional well-being, and develop leadership while fostering inclusive and participatory learning environments.
The Need in 2026
The Community Schools for Change project addresses the urgent need for safe, supportive, and enriching environments for children and youth in vulnerable Colombian communities. Many participants face economic hardship, exposure to violence, and limited access to quality education, resulting in learning gaps and underdeveloped social-emotional skills. The project aims to improve educational spaces, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a sense of belonging and essential life skills, ultimately empowering students to thrive and reach their full potential.
The Project We Fund
The project focuses on transforming Barrio París School in Medellin into a Community School, a model that integrates students, teachers, families, and volunteers to create a safe, engaging learning environment. It includes establishing extracurricular clubs, leadership programs, community cafes for family engagement, and volunteer involvement to strengthen academic and social support. These efforts aim to reduce learning gaps, increase school retention, and build resilient community ecosystems.
The Result
The anticipated outcomes of the Community Schools for Change project include improved academic performance, enhanced emotional well-being, increased student leadership and community engagement. By providing educational and recreational opportunities, the project seeks to ensure a supportive network and educational opportunities for children, empowering them to effect change within their communities. The initiative is expected to directly benefit 75 students annually, with 150 indirect beneficiaries over the project’s duration, fostering long-term educational impact.
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The Need in 2024
Bello, a suburb of Medellín in Colombia’s Antioquia Department, is home to the Institución Educativa Alberto Díaz Muñoz, which serves over 1,800 students. The school is situated amidst informal settlements that face economic and social challenges, including inadequate services and violence.
Since 2016, Glasswing has been working at Bertha Herrera de Ruano School in Mixco, an area affected by violence and drug trafficking. This school serves over 300 students and lacks playground facilities. Glasswing’s extracurricular programs offer constructive outlets for students and provide new learning opportunities.
The Project We Fund
The Alberto Díaz School library, established in 1994, is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of today’s students. This project aims to revitalize the library into an engaging space that promotes learning and social interaction. It will involve 42 volunteers and directly benefit 100 primary students while having a broader impact on 1,800 students.
Glasswing will undertake the following initiatives through library renovation by recruiting 20-30 volunteers to update furniture, equipment, and murals, creating a more inviting and functional space. Book donation by providing a selection of novels and literature to enrich the library’s collection. Club launch by establishing reading and storytelling clubs for groups of 20 students each. These clubs will meet weekly and be led by trained volunteers to enhance student engagement and well-being.
The Result
Glasswing’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Adaptation, and Learning (MEAL) Department ensures program quality by tracking activities, processes, and key indicators, allowing for real-time adjustments as needed. The M&E team utilizes the Glasswing Data System to monitor participant registration, volunteer hours, and service continuity, and they conduct random site visits to ensure data accuracy.
After each program, Glasswing administers surveys to students, parents, caregivers, and school staff to gather feedback on their perceptions. The impact of the program is assessed using the following metrics: number of participants in each club, number of volunteers involved and attendance of parents and caregivers at Community Cafés.
Annual Report 2025
The project titled “Imagination Station” was carried out benefiting 82 direct beneficiaries, primarily school students and volunteers. The project had a significant impact by enhancing learning environments, fostering inclusion, and keeping children in safe spaces, indirectly benefiting an additional 1,200 students.
Testimony
“Hello, my name is Wilmer Guillén, I am eight years old. I was in the Storytelling Club, and I really liked it with Teacher Leisy Álvarez. I enjoyed being there because we painted a lot and played, among other activities.”
