By Maria Paula Granados | Communications coordinator
The transformative power of dignified employment for teenage mothers in Cartagena
Accessing formal, dignified employment means far more than earning a paycheck. For hundreds of teenage mothers, it represents the first step toward independence—breaking cycles of poverty and building a sustainable future for themselves and their children. At Fundación Juanfe, we firmly believe that purposeful work transforms lives, which is why employability is one of the most powerful pillars of our 360° Model.
During the first semester of 2025, we facilitated the employment of 117 teenage mothers: for 50 of them, it was their first formal job, and for 67, it was an opportunity to further strengthen their professional path. Today, the majority of these young women earn stable incomes, with 89 of them receiving at least the legal minimum wage, marking a significant step toward their economic autonomy.
This effort has created tangible impact: our graduates now access employment in key sectors such as hospitality (21%), gastronomy (20%), personal care (9%), retail (5%), and services (4%). All of this has been made possible through our partnerships with the productive sector and the outreach we’ve conducted with 102 allied companies, promoting inclusive workplaces for youth in vulnerable conditions.
To ensure employment sustainability, we also strengthen cross-cutting skills. This semester, 196 graduates participated in 13 complementary training programs, including courses on digital marketing with AI, food safety, chatbot leadership, healthy cooking, and more. In addition, practical workshops covered labor contracts, design thinking, leadership, and professional resilience, equipping them with tools to confidently navigate the job market.
Our support doesn't end with job placement. Through our Employment and Opportunities Center in Cartagena, we continue to assist 2,943 graduates with courses, workshops, and events designed to further enhance their skills, build strong support networks, and strengthen their professional journey. Job fairs, business breakfasts, the "employment closet," and institutional alliances—such as the one signed with the Social Emergency Plan—expand their connection to the labor market.
All of this has been made possible thanks to the unwavering commitment of our donors, corporate partners, and individuals who believe in the power of transforming lives through employment and opportunity. Your support has enabled hundreds of teenage mothers to begin a new chapter—one of autonomy, financial stability, and hope.
Today, we invite you to be part of this movement.
Donate now and help us transform the world, one woman at a time.
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