Interview with Maritza from the Iniciativa Colibrí

Maritza is a psychologist who supports our partner organisation, Iniciativa Colibrí, with great dedication. At the Colibrí centre, the organisation provides a space for socially disadvantaged children and young people to relax through theatre, express themselves freely, support each other and explore their feelings (see the latest photo report). Maritza regularly visits the centre to provide advice and support to children and young people in difficult situations. In the interview, she told us in detail about her work.

EcoSolidar: How long have you been involved with Iniciativa Colibrí?
Maritza: I have been with Iniciativa Colibrí for several years, although time feels very different here. Soon after joining, I realised that this was more than just another experience in my life; it was a personal and professional commitment. I originally came with the intention of sharing my knowledge of psychology. However, I soon realised that Colibrí was also changing me. Every smile, every story and every shared success of the children and young people reminds me that I am in the right place.

EcoSolidar: What is your role in the project, and what exactly do you do?
Maritza: My role is very diverse because, at Colibrí, we serve the community. I run personal development and psychological growth workshops for children and young people. In these workshops, we learn how to manage our emotions, boost our self-esteem and resilience, live healthily, respect ourselves, others and the environment, and set goals for the present and the future.
We organise workshops for women on topics ranging from building support networks and self-confidence to leadership skills, and practical matters such as organising household finances and starting small businesses, as well as more unusual professions such as mechanics.
We create spaces where everyone can discover their inner strength, which is often previously unnoticed. Most importantly, I don’t do this alone. We always talk about “we” because we believe that change happens when we see ourselves as part of something greater.

EcoSolidar: What is the most important thing about this project for the children and young people taking part?
Maritza: The most important thing is that they find a safe place here. We pay close attention to implementing child protection guidelines and promoting respectful interaction. Colibrí is a space where children and young people can express themselves freely, feel heard, and learn to listen with tolerance and empathy.
Many of them come to us with stories of bullying, learning difficulties, language barriers, grief, insecurity, and family problems. Here, they realise that they don’t have to pretend to be someone else. I remember a teenager who hardly spoke at first but later dared to say that he wanted to become a teacher. This showed us that Colibrí goes far beyond the workshops to build confidence and show young people that dreams can become reality.

EcoSolidar: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Maritza: I enjoy being a witness to these “small-big” changes the most. Seeing a shy girl suddenly raise her voice, hearing a woman proudly tell us that she has opened her own grocery store, or witnessing a young man who once doubted himself encourage others is the greatest reward for me.
Seeing how people discover that they can make a difference, that their voice counts, and that their efforts are worthwhile inspires me. What I appreciate about Colibrí is that inclusion and mutual respect are practised here. Many former participants, now young adults, continue to support the new generations. Neighbours also help by planting the grounds, cleaning the surroundings, and getting involved in other ways.
I am particularly touched by the fact that young people and adults from the community who are confronted with social risks such as drugs, alcohol or exclusion always greet Colibrí warmly. This shows me that they feel recognised as people with rights here.

EcoSolidar: What are your hopes for the future?
Maritza: I dream that Colibrí will continue to grow and reach even more neighbourhoods, because I know how transformative this work can be. I hope that more children and women will have access to spaces like this one, which restore their self-confidence, teach them new skills and give them hope.

My greatest wish is that one day someone will say: “I found support at Colibrí — it’s where I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought.”