AVANZA

Psychotherapeutic support programme for girls and adolescents in care, and university scholarships for young people who have left care. Los Andes, Valparaíso

The AVANZA programme, run in collaboration with the Los Andes Land Port, COINTER Chile and the Laura Vicuña, Sagrada Familia and Belén shelters in the city of Los Andes, aims to address the educational needs of girls from extremely vulnerable backgrounds who, whilst living in care homes, face learning difficulties linked to their life experiences.

Through educational innovations tailored to each stage of development, the girls are able to regain their self-esteem, develop study habits, foster their creativity and improve their physical wellbeing.

The programme currently supports 120 girls in care. It also extends its impact to higher education by awarding university scholarships to young women who were formerly in care and are now studying at universities in Santiago and Valparaíso. This support covers their living and accommodation costs. At the same time, the centres continue to provide support through psychological and social care, offering the emotional support needed to ensure their academic success and prepare them for full independence upon completing their studies.