Who are we?
The Zuá Foundation was born in May 1998, from an idea that became a reality. Moisés, together with his family and a group of friends, launched this initiative to help thousands of Colombian children and young people. The first actions were financed through donations from their close circle, who believed in the cause and united their efforts. Since we are all volunteers, all received resources go directly to social investment.
Our mission
The Foundation’s mission is to fight against poverty by working with children, young people, and their families in situations of high vulnerability, through the organization of communities that enable them to dream and make their dreams come true.
Our vision
The Zuá Foundation will continue to build the future of many vulnerable children, young people, and families. Through quality education, we support them from primary school to university, helping them turn their dreams into reality.
our story
Birth of the Zuá foundation: Creation of the working document and the philosophy of Zuá
1998
Opening of the Patio Bonito site
2002
Legal entity and recognition before the Dian (National Directorate of Taxes and Customs)
2002
Opening of the rural study center – Senderos
2004
Start of the higher education program
2006
Creation of the pre-university
2014
Opening of the Young Futures of Cauca program at Senderos
2018
Opening of the Bosa site
2018
Start of the “Mothers” program
2020
We continue all our programs
2025
priorities
The Zuá Foundation works to eradicate poverty and inequality through education, food, and support for children and young people in vulnerable situations. It promotes access to higher education, nurtures talents in arts, sciences, and sports, and fosters social and economic cooperation. Additionally, it creates solidarity communities where those who wish to serve the most disadvantaged can come together to make a real impact.
objectives
01
Academic Reinforcement – Aprendamos Workshops
Help children and young people in vulnerable situations improve their academic performance and prevent school dropout by providing them with the necessary tools and support for their educational and personal development.
02
Higher Education
Support young people with low academic levels and limited resources so they can access higher education and obtain their university degree, improving their future opportunities.
03
Arts
Encourage the development of skills and talents in children and young people through the arts, offering opportunities to enhance their abilities and strengthen their personal growth, with the aim of making them better human beings and agents of change in their community.
04
Nutrition
Provide good nutrition for children and young people, supplying them with the necessary food to improve their performance at the Foundation and contribute to strengthening their health and quality of life.
objectives
01 Academic Reinforcement – Aprendamos Workshops
Help children and young people in vulnerable situations improve their academic performance and prevent school dropout by providing them with the necessary tools and support for their educational and personal development.
02 Higher Education
Support young people with low academic levels and limited resources so they can access higher education and obtain their university degree, improving their future opportunities.
03 Arts
Encourage the development of skills and talents in children and young people through the arts, offering opportunities to enhance their abilities and strengthen their personal growth, with the aim of making them better human beings and agents of change in their community.
04 Nutrition
Provide good nutrition for children and young people, supplying them with the necessary food to improve their performance at the Foundation and contribute to strengthening their health and quality of life.
Zua fondation in numbers
Where we work
PATIO BONITO- BOGOTÁ
80 kids
In an area affected by violence and unemployment, the Zuá Foundation offers a safe space in Patio Bonito where children and youth receive food, education, and artistic training to transform their future.
BOSA – BOGOTÁ
30 kids
In the Bosa district, the Zuá Foundation extends its support to vulnerable families, especially single mothers who depend on recycling. The successful model of Patio Bonito is replicated here.
CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS
LOS SENDEROS
10 young people
This is where the “Joven Porvenir del Cauca” program is developed, currently hosting 11 vulnerable young people. They are offered the opportunity to attend a pre-university course and later a university degree. In return, they contribute to their own sustainability through educational and productive projects.
Our Team
Moisés Pedraza
Director
PhD from the University of Sheffield (UK). Professor, program and department director at Universidad Javeriana for 25 years.
Laurent Pacoud
Vice-President of the Board
Environmental engineer, has worked for the French State Development Bank (Agence Française de Développement) for over 11 years.
Manuel José
Coordinator of the “Higher Education” Program
Economist from Universidad del Rosario, Master in History from Universidad Javeriana. Created the Pre-University Program in 2014 and continues to lead it. Member of the General Council.
Javier Ramírez
Communications Coordinator
Marketing and Advertising professional. Responsible for managing the Foundation’s communication strategies and channels.
Marino Mejia
Integrator Web
With the Foundation since 2018. Public Administrator from ESAP. Professor of systems at several universities and currently teaches computer science in the pre-university program, also responsible for updating the Foundation’s website.
Diana Pedraza Isaza.
Lawyer
Master of Business Administration (EMBA). Member of the General Council during different periods. She has supported the Foundation since its inception by providing legal counsel.
Louis-Marie Renaud
Integrator Web
Developer of the Foundation’s 2025 new website.
Mary Luz Isaza
General Council Member and Management Team
Master in Education from the University of Sheffield (UK). 30 years of experience at the Ministry of National Education in rural education programs, and was a consultant for the World Bank in Central America.
Diana Torres
Coordinator of the Patio Bonito Headquarters
With the Foundation since 2003. Master in Social Management. Leads and coordinates the work of tutors, interns, and volunteers.
Katherine Peña
Coordinator of the Bosa Headquarters
With the Foundation since 2019. Studied at the Pedagogical University, with a degree in Primary Education. Leads and coordinates the work of tutors, interns, and volunteers.
Lisnaidú Guzmán Rojas
Coordinator of the Sasaima Headquarters
Psychologist for the “Mamá si Sabe” program. Currently studying for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology.
Our Team
Moisés Pedraza
Director
PhD from the University of Sheffield (UK). Professor, program and department director at Universidad Javeriana for 25 years.
Laurent Pacoud
Vice-President of the Board
Environmental engineer, has worked for the French State Development Bank (Agence Française de Développement) for over 11 years.
Manuel José
Coordinator of the “Higher Education” Program
Economist from Universidad del Rosario, Master in History from Universidad Javeriana. Created the Pre-University Program in 2014 and continues to lead it. Member of the General Council.
Javier Ramírez
Communications Coordinator
Marketing and Advertising professional. Responsible for managing the Foundation’s communication strategies and channels.
Marino Mejia
Web Developer
With the Foundation since 2018. Professor of systems at several universities and currently teaches computer science in the pre-university program, also responsible for the maintenance of the Foundation’s website.
Diana Pedraza Isaza.
Lawyer.
Master of Business Administration (EMBA). Member of the General Council during different periods. She has supported the Foundation since its inception by providing legal counsel.
Louis-Marie Renaud
Integrator Web
Developer of the Foundation’s 2025 new website.
Mary Luz Isaza
General Council Member and Management Team
Master in Education from the University of Sheffield (UK). 30 years of experience at the Ministry of National Education in rural education programs, and was a consultant for the World Bank in Central America.
Diana Torres
Coordinator of the Patio Bonito Headquarters
With the Foundation since 2003. Master in Social Management. Leads and coordinates the work of tutors, interns, and volunteers.
Katherine Peña
Coordinator of the Bosa Headquarters
With the Foundation since 2019. Studied at the Pedagogical University, with a degree in Primary Education. Leads and coordinates the work of tutors, interns, and volunteers.
Lisnaidú Guzmán Rojas
Coordinator of the Sasaima Headquarters
Psychologist for the “Mamá si Sabe” program. Currently studying for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology.