Soldiers of the National Army and its Program Fe en Colombia, in coordination with public and private institutions, carried out the closing of the campaign with different works that benefited more than 2,000 people.
The village of San Gabriel, in the municipality of Viotá, Cundinamarca, was one of the many hit by the armed conflict in Colombia. That is why the main objective of the campaign Mi Vereda Modelo (My Model Village) is to achieve the empowerment of community leaders and the participation of public and private companies that led the development and improvement of the quality of life of these communities, assisting their needs.
Leonardo Gonzáles, teacher and president of the Municipal Action Board of the San Gabriel village, said: "We have to do social work to rebuild the social fabric, we have work to do, this was a municipality hit by violence and we are victims of the conflict. Today we have already learned to see soldiers with other eyes; we like to see them here. Now we see a soldier arriving not only with a rifle, but he comes to work. Thanks to the Army and the institutions that in one way or another made this great event possible”.
Despite the pandemic experienced in 2020, which hit all sectors, not only nationally but globally, it was possible to approach and coordinate with key actors to carry out infrastructure works such as home improvements and reopening of the health center that had not been in operation for more than 12 years. This was complemented by environmental trainings that benefited more than 200 people. This, in the short, medium and long term, will be reflected as a result of the effort carried out in the San Gabriel model village, which will benefit more than 2,000 people of all ages.
Mr. Vicente Aldana, who benefited of the construction of a prefabricated house, added: “I lived in wooden slats, broken tiles, the water got in, that was my house. I've lived here for 20 years. I feel I am the happiest man, thanks to the Arturo Calle Foundation and the Army. May God bless all the Army personnel who are here in my new home, where I used to have my little shack".
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Mauricio Medina Medina, commander of the Airborne Infantry Battalion No.28 Colombia, added: "We will continue to work for the program our Model Village, this does not end here, this campaign is very important and has impacted and benefited a community of more than 2,000 inhabitants. For the next year we have many more projects, so we continue to invite the entire private sector to continue investing in these important works of social action hand in hand with the Colombian National Army”.
It is important to highlight that this activity was conducted thanks to the coordination the Government of Cundinamarca, the mayor of Viotá, the Municipal action Board of the San Gabriel village, Arturo Calle Foundation, Eternit, Tito Pabón paintings, the CAR regional direction Tequendama and the National Army through the Support Command of Comprehensive Action and development, the Battalion of Engineers No.13 General Antonio Baraya, the Airborne Infantry Battalion No.28 Colombia, The Program Fe en Colombia, The Thirteen Brigade and the professional Officers of the Reserve.
Source: press-Comprehensive Action and Development Support Command-CAAID
