Cartagena, Colombia –Ruth Dary Ortiz, 21, lives in the run-down neighborhood called “Nelson Mandela,” where drinking water is scarce, and violence is commonplace. Most people who live there are “desplazados” -- families who have fled the fighting and instability of the countryside, caused by conflicts between Colombia’s guerilla forces and the counter-insurgency paramilitary. Families, particularly young people, are often caught in the middle. One night, armed fighters broke into Ruth’s home and killed her older brother. As tears run down her face, she recalls how her family fled the village, and moved to Cartagena. “We had no money and no jobs. We just stayed at home.”

Ruth started working as a maid, but lost her job. It was then that she heard about the entra 21 program. Today, Ruth sits at her computer in the classroom at Fundacion Indufrial, an NGO based in Cartagena, enrolled in a 6-month course in internet and computer maintenance. “I’m very happy to study here,” she says, “even though sometimes I don’t have enough money for the bus.”

A highly motivated and successful student, Ruth plans to get a job and help support her family. “I have learned a skill which will help me get a good job,” she says, aware that her IT training and the internship experience she will gain later on will be a big advantage in the job market. Ruth sees other benefits as well to her participation in the entra 21 program. “I’ve also made a lot of friends in these classes, and we spend time together.” She can already see the changes in herself.

“Before, I would never imagine speaking in public. But this program has helped me improve my relationships with others, and I’ve gained more confidence. I used to feel isolated and very sad, and I didn’t want to talk to anyone. But today, I spoke to a large group of people at a public event,” she said proudly. That morning, she had delivered a moving testimonial before a group of government and NGO officials at the formal launch of entra 21 in Cartagena. “This is not just a program,’ she told the crowd. “This is my opportunity in life.”