Growing up in Colombia, I was never far from children affected by absolute poverty. Some receive little or no education, live in areas riddled with crime and to many, abuse and homelessness are facts of life.
About five years ago, inspired by visiting underprivileged children in their homes, I began fundraising for La Escalereta kindergarten in my birth town of Agrado, south-western Colombia.
Last year, thanks to generous donations from friends and businesses, I raised nearly £700 which gave many of the one hundred children schooled there, their first Christmas party.

These are children who had never been to kindergarten or simply never had the opportunity to socialise with others, or play with real toys. Each of the children received a small Christmas present and the donation provided equipment for two other premises. Funding is occasionally allocated to scholarships too.

My work as an artist has been inspired by these experiences and I am lucky enough to be able to use my art as a tool to help children in need.
If you are interested in supporting the children at La Escalereta, please contact me at dv@dairovargas.com