Mampuján
75 Children Without a School
Mampuján is a town located in María la Baja, Bolivar. Being a strategic place for the passing of guns, drugs and arm forces. Mampuján villager were caught for years in the crossfire between paramilitary and guerrilla groups. Today after years of violence and displacement, it inhabitants search for a change that brings life back to Mampuján. However the inhabitants of Mampujan, still lack many basic human needs, such as a health center, public lighting, drinking water and a school for its 75 children.
Watch the video below to learn about the story of Mampuján. With this video we hope to convince the authorities the bring change to this village and its inhabitants. Please help us by sharing the video with as many people as possible, and let´s together make sure that the children of Mampuján will have access to education and clean water soon.
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Mampuján: a place of dreams, desires and hope
By Juan Felipe Henández
Mampuján is located in “María la Baja”, Bolívar. It was a strategic step place for the transit of arms, drugs and military forces, as well as being the epicenter of a struggle between paramilitaries and guerrillas. On March 10, 2000, a group of paramilitaries led by Rodrigo Mercado, alias ‘Cadena’, arrived at the town, ordering its inhabitants to leave, otherwise, they threatened, the massacre that took place in El Salado, would be repeated here.
Despite what happened all those years ago, full of strength and courage, some of the inhabitants of Mampuján decided to return, to recover what was theirs. However, the ruins and broken buildings reflect the state´s neglect. The only source of water the inhabitants have is a stream that passes the village. There is no sewage system or any public services.
Between giggles and curious glances, the children of the school welcome us. Algeria, one of the volunteer teachers shows us what, together with other volunteers, they turned into a study space. An open space, in which they get classes under the sun, enduring the never-ceasing heat of Mampuján.
I wonder where the state is. Ironically, the political campaigns that are being carried out in my country at this time come to mind. Vague promises made by politicians sneak into my thoughts over and over again. It is not a question of politely asking for public services. In this case it's about demanding what are constitutional universal human rights: access to education, access to public services, access to adequate food and water supply, access to healthcare, and so on.
Incredible landscapes, unique smells and flavors. There were many lessons and anecdotes that we took with us from our visit to Sucre and Bolívar. Wonderful people, communities that struggle and strive to get ahead, leaders who work for their communities, places where the State does not reach. An arduous and continuous work that seeks to redefine the spaces that for one reason or another were problematic but that today become places where joy, peace, hope, union and love converge.
