Alexa Karen '28 Creates Nonprofit to Empower Education in Rural Colombia

“There were 19 kids, ages four to twelve, all in one classroom,” she recalled. “There was one teacher for all of them — teaching a four-year-old how to read and a twelve-year-old pre-algebra at the same time. It really made me realize how different their school experience is.”

 

Despite the limited resources — no library and minimal supplies — Karen was struck by the students’ energy and eagerness to learn. “They were so sweet and grateful,” she said. “They’d run up to give hugs and were excited to participate in the English lessons. You could tell how much they appreciated every little thing. It gave me a new perspective. It made me realize how grateful I should be for the education I have, and that I could do something to help them.”

 

Inspired by what she saw and guided by her family, Karen decided to take action. In 2024, she founded Young Hearts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering education in underprivileged Colombian communities, with a clear mission: to provide essential educational resources for children in rural Colombia.

 

“Education today is empowerment for life,” said Karen, quoting the organization’s motto. Through Young Hearts, she hopes to help bridge the resource gap and nurture brighter futures for children who otherwise have limited opportunities.

 

Back home at St. Andrew’s, Karen turned her vision into action with the help of her teachers and peers. She organized a book drive with the support of Ms. Lorraine Martinez-Hanley who also served as her mentor throughout the process. “When a student comes to me with a passion, like Alexa did, I want to help support them and steward their project,” said Martinez-Hanley, who is the Director of Professional Growth and Studies and also teaches Spanish. Ms. Daphne Clyburn, the Chair of the Language Department, also helped by providing lesson plans tailored to different age groups. “It’s not easy teaching kids from four to twelve at the same time,” Karen said. “The little ones are running around while the older ones finish early — so we came up with games and activities to keep everyone engaged.”

 

She also launched a fundraiser, reaching out to family and friends for donations. The funds raised allowed Young Hearts to purchase school supplies and sponsor eye exams for 24 children, three of whom received prescription glasses.

 

This past summer, Karen returned to Chinchina to continue teaching English and deliver donated materials. Her next goal is to help build a bilingual library for the students, filled with age-appropriate books in both Spanish and English.

 

Looking to the future, Karen is exploring ways to expand Young Hearts’ impact. “We’re thinking about starting a pilot program where students from here can volunteer to teach short virtual English classes over Zoom,” she explained. “It would be a great way to stay connected year-round.”

 

As Karen balances school life and her growing nonprofit, she remains hopeful. “I just want these kids to have more opportunities — to be able to dream bigger,” she said.

 

To support Karen’s mission or learn more about upcoming projects, visit Young Hearts’ website at https://www.theyounghearts.org/.