Los Hijos del Sol, a non-profit organization, was founded in La Guajira, Colombia, in the South American region. Since its inception, La Guajira has been envisioned as a Social Laboratory, where the organization is dedicated to projects and research with the primary goal of generating a positive impact on the population targeted for interventions and studies.
The work of Los Hijos del Sol extends beyond the implementation of programs and projects; it encompasses a continual commitment to research and data analysis. Through the collection and study of relevant information, the organization seeks a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and cultural dynamics affecting communities. This evidence-based approach allows Los Hijos del Sol to adapt interventions effectively, ensuring that their efforts have a lasting impact.
These fairs have provided care for over 1500 boys and girls from the Wayuu and Wiwa indigenous communities. Beyond promoting hygiene practices, ancestral games, and cultural showcases, we’ve cultivated spaces for volunteering and cooperation. Hand in hand with the Colombian Pediatric Society, we’ve also rolled out playgrounds, aiming to not just encourage fun but to nurture the cognitive, physical, and social development of the children in these communities.
Pediatrician students from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, joined this initiative as part of their Social Pediatrics Rotation curriculum. Engaging in fairs and conducting research on intercultural topics specific to indigenous childhood, these students contributed to an intellectual output of over 20 publications.
“The practice of medicine is not confined to the walls of universities; to care for health, we must navigate not only through hospital hallways but through the depths of human experience. Humanity needs to learn and unlearn that true success in serving others lies in taking responsibility, in looking, truly seeing, listening and recognizing yourself in them.”
Iliana Curiel Arismendy
We’ve expanded our efforts into other important areas, such as environmental care and education. In the field of environmental care, we’ve introduced programs that focus on eco-friendly practices to promote awareness of our surroundings and responsible handling of waste. Additionally, by partnering with the International Organization Filter of Hope, we’ve successfully provided water filters to schools, ensuring clean water for human consumption.”
Bicycles to Reduce School Dropout Rates
- Breastfeeding with an Intercultural Focus for Indigenous Communities.
- Prevention of Gender Violence.
- Humanization in Health Services with a Wayuu Intercultural Approach.
- Adaptation of Programs towards Intercultural Health in the Wayuu Indigenous Community.
- Life Weaving – Intercultural Care for Malnutrition. Award for Best Practice for Early Childhood.
- Dialogues with Midwives: Neonatal Adaptation and Survival of Newborns in the Community.
- Guidelines for Managing Malnutrition in Cultural Contexts.
- Recommendations for the Care of Prevalent Childhood Illnesses with Intercultural Adaptation of the Community AIEPI Manual.
- Intercultural Parenting Guidelines, Traditional Indigenous Games, and Scientific Benefits of Psychomotor Development in Children.
- Technical Support and Research for Phases of the Own and Intercultural Health System for the Wayuu People – Mapping of Traditional Healers in the Upper Guajira.
