The Cooperativa Multiactiva Agro Minera of the municipality of Iquira has taken a significant step toward social inclusion through the implementation of the Golden Hearts Strategy, a project funded by the Fairmined Premium, aimed at children and young people with diverse abilities in the Pacarní community, Tesalia, Colombia.
In this interview, Carol Daniela Mora, the driving force behind the initiative, shares how the idea was born, the challenges faced by families of children with special educational needs (NEE), the community’s response, and the Cooperative’s future aspirations to expand this strategy to benefit more children and young people with diverse abilities.
Carol Daniela Mora, from Iquira Mining Organization
How did the idea of working with children with diverse abilities in Pacarní come about?
Daniela: It stems from the social commitment of the Cooperativa Multiactiva Agro Minera of Iquira to support and guarantee the fundamental rights of children and young people with diverse abilities in the Pacarní community and surrounding areas. This initiative seeks to promote inclusion, participation, and the integral development of this population through educational, psychosocial, artistic, and recreational activities adapted to their needs.
What motivated you the most to propose this idea as part of the Cooperative’s social commitment?
Daniela: Personal Life Story. I have a cousin with diverse abilities, and his life has been filled with challenges and obstacles. There are very few opportunities here for people like him, who are often made invisible or have limited access to specialized services. That’s why spaces of inclusion, stimulation, psychosocial support, and activities adapted to his abilities are so necessary. I believe that promoting this initiative not only benefits a single child but also impacts an entire population lacking opportunities, where everyone should have an ethical and social commitment that promotes equity, respect for differences, and the fulfillment of fundamental rights. This population had never received support from any government entity and had been largely forgotten. Families often had to leave their children alone to work and earn a living, most are single mothers. In education, bullying is common due to neurodivergent conditions, and specialized care systems are very limited in the region.
How has the community responded since the Golden Hearts Strategy began?
Daniela: Families are deeply grateful! and as they see their children making progress in fine and gross motor skills, verbal and non-verbal language stimulation it becomes a motivation for everyone involved. The children socialize, integrate, and show affection…The community has also become engaged with the strategy, providing support through educational materials, snacks, and publicity. Additionally, the Tesalia Municipality provides a space for pedagogical activities and occasionally sends a recreation and sports teacher on Thursdays.
Can you share a story or moment that has marked you since Golden Hearts began?
Daniela: Mmm… I think every day is special and leaves a significant impact, strengthening the sense of life. From day one, when we did the introduction of the strategy to and the population characterization to the community, listening to families’ stories, daily struggles, and sacrifices has deeply touched me. I now value them more and learn from them every day. Despite their neurodivergent conditions, these children and young people leave a mark in the world. For me they are not children or youth with disabilities but with diverse abilities, demonstrating that they can achieve everything they set out to do, even with the challenges they face.
What is the Cooperative’s vision for the Golden Hearts Strategy in the coming years?
Daniela: The goal is to establish Corazones Oro (Golden Hearts) as a permanent Foundation, in order to provide better opportunities for beneficiaries and their families, expand support to more neurodivergent children and youth, and rely on qualified professionals to deliver specialized care. We also want to implement a community dining hall within the working group, aimed at older adults and people with limited resources—a place where they can receive a daily meal (lunch) at low cost. We have considered organizing a jewelry-making workshop to train members and people from the community, as well as promoting a tailoring venture where single mothers can work. We know there are many opportunities to support the population, and being part of the Fairmined initiative allows us to make them a reality.
