David Z., 18, Colombia

Basic need(s):

Safety, Health, Education

Project:

Facilitating reconciliation and social integration of demobilized Colombian combatants

As a fourth generation member of a prominent Colombian family, David maintains that personal wealth should compel one to promote and protect the well-being of those in need. He also believes that lack of education perpetuates poverty and violence, and has worked to improve the quality of education in one of Colombia's schools. David has been involved in philanthropy since he was a child and founded the first Youth Congress in Colombia which promotes youth social responsibility. His most recent project focuses on furthering the process of reconciliation and social integration of demobilized Colombian combatants by improving their access to state officials who handle the demobilization system. He also attends to the individual needs of demobilized people by supporting and advising them on important issues—mainly health care and national identity documents. David hopes that his project will demonstrate to the Colombian people the importance of forgiving and helping demobilized citizens reintegrate into society.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto