MissionContribute to the early child

development of Colombian children living in vulnerable conditions.

VisionContribute to the development of a

generation of citizens capable of growing Colombia into a developed country with

significantly increased economic opportunity for all.

StrategyLead a plan to invest in comprehensive early childhood development through

public-private cooperation that inspires and engages support for Colombia’s children and families. We are building alliances among the business sector, individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and government entities in order to establish sustainable child development centers that enrich development and learning for children from zero to five years of age.

f o r t h e f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s

www.firststepbigstep.org

Who We AreFirst Step Big Step (FSBS) was founded in

Florida in 2008 as a nonprofit (501-c-3) organization. In 2010 FSBS started El Caracoli, in Yumbo Valle del Cauca a region of Cali, Colombia, with an alliance between Smurfit Carton de Colombia Foundation. El Caracoli is now a highly successful early childhood development center, the first aligned with the national policy “From Zero to Forever” in the region.

The Board of Directors of FSBS is comprised principally of Colombians residing in the United States and American citizens interested in Colombia, including business people, educators and people with experience in third-sector organizations.

FSBS 2015 ObjectiveThis year we will complete the final phase of

construction at El Caracoli, allowing us to reach 400 children. Outside of El Caracoli we administer the operation of “Hogares Comunitarios” throughout the region of Yumbo, it is with this program that we see our growth in the short term. Our mission is to continue our expansion based on the sustainable model we have built. We strive to impact the lives of as many children possible living in extreme poverty.

A Comprehensive Aproach that WorksFirst Step Big Step understands that successful childhood development is a

comprehensive approach which includes nutrition, health, sanitation, and juridical protection.

El Caracoli offers children up to 5 years, a program that teaches the social and educational tools needed to become proactive members of the community in accordance with policy guidelines and Government Policy, which combines the efforts of various sectors, thus ensuring the fulfillment of their basic needs, protection, upbringing, and development.

Local LeadershipEl Caracoli was

incorporated as an independent not-for-profit

organization under Colombian law on June 9, 2010 in the municipality

of Yumbo, Valle del Cauca. FSBS helped

recruit a local Board of Directors and leadership

team at El Caracoli.

The Center’s diverse group of professionals:• An advisory team of professionals in the fields of health, nutrition,

language (speech therapy), pre-school pedagogy and psychology.

• A team of head teachers and assistants with training, knowledge and experience in early childhood development.

• An interdisciplinary team of teachers certified in the fields of art, biology, mathematics, library, music and movement. It also includes a coordinator, director and administrative and service personnel.

How El Caracoli does it?• Teachings are done in small groups • A school year from January to December• An 8-hour school day• Two nutritious meals a day• Certified Teachers • Growth and development assessment for each child monitored by a professional team.

Evaluation and Impact Measurement ProgramThe results of this early intervention are in the process of being measured and

evaluated from the beginning. In this way, we will be able to measure the social impact of intervention at the family and community level. Evaluation will be

conducted by experts in the field and supported by academic institutions and international foundations. FSBS is committed to going beyond “good intentions” to use evaluation and ongoing metrics as tools of continuous improvement. Currently

evaluation is under the auspices of the University del Valle in Cali, Colombia.

• Total Operational Cost $US 2,000 / year per child• Teaching Supplies for El Caracoli $US 1,000 / month• Teachers Salary $US 500 / month• Nutrition $US 250 / year per child

Key Players for Funding

• Local Corporation: The Smurfit Kappa Cartón de Colombia Foundation (FSCC) is the lead corporate sponsor for El Caracoli.

• US Based Support: First Step Big Step provided seed funding, and capital investment for El Caracoli and is leading the replication efforts in alliance with partners. FSBS is also the International fundraising and awareness vehicle for El Caracoli.

• Public Welfare Insititution: Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF). ICBF is a decentralized social welfare institution funded by the government and private sector. ICBF works for the development and comprehensive protection of infancy, childhood, adolescence and welfare of Colombian families. ICBF funds a percentage of El Caracoli’s operational costs today and in the future.

• Government: La Agencia Presidencial de Cooperación Internacional de Colombia (APC). The APC, is a special Presidential Fund that matches private donations raised outside Colombia for educational purposes. Gifts and grants for capital construction and equipment will be matched dollar for dollar!

Your Donations will be Tax Deductible in the United States. We are a non-profit organization approved as 501(C) (3) given by the Internal Revenue Service ID # 20-8408885

It is many hands together that contribute to El Caracoli, it’s continued growth, and sustainability. Private contributions and individuals like you make it all possible!

Contribute to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the most

vulnerable children in Colombia, your donation is the first step.www.semillasdegigantes.org

Semillas de Gigantes

Reality in the Municipality of Yumbo, Cali, Colombia

• 52% of children in Latin America live in conditions of poverty.

• In Colombia, of the five million children between the ages of zero and five years, 62% have no access to any type of early childhood development opportunities.1

• There are approximately 11,100 children between the ages zero and five living in Yumbo 2, 42% are living under the poverty line3.

• The community of Yumbo has little awareness of themes related to early education and has a very low participation rate in educational activities.

1 Colombia, National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE). (2013). Population estimation and projection of national, departmental and municipal from 1985 to 2020.2 Colombian Ministry of Social Protection, and Profamilia. (2010). National Poll of Demographic and Health. Bogota, Colombia3 Colombia, National Planning Department - DNP. (2010). Multidimensional poverty index. Figures by municipality and Department IPM 2005.

www.FirstStepBigStep.org

El Caracoli - Cali, Colombia

Maria-Elisa KorgiExecutive DirectorCalle 6 Nte #3B-23

Yumbo, Valle del Cauca - ColombiaTel: (+057 2) 669-4579 | (+057 2) 669-5693

First Step Big Step - New York, U.S.A

Mercedes FernandezExecutive Director

220 East 65th StNew York, NY 10065Tel: (646) 241-5930

Email: mfernandez@fiststepbigstep.org