Medellin

We had the wonderful experience of going into on of the communities in the mountains above Medellin. New arrivals just build houses above what’s already there. Initially, no sewer,, water, electricity, or a way to get there. The new inhabitants build stairways and connection sewer and water. In about 1995, the city started building a Metro, gondolas, and escalators to reach all of these places. Unemployment is high and most establish small businesses in an informal economy. They are organized into numbered communes. We visited #13 and bought groceries for 4 families. I presented the big bags to a single mother with 2 kids. She was really grateful.

The metro system is impressive in its cleanliness and efficiency. The addition of the various forms of public transportation has made a huge impact on the quality of life for poor people.Read more