Fundacion Camino de Emaús is a private legal entity, non-profit, constituted in order to facilitate access to formal and non-formal education; promote and support models of integral development; encourage integral spiritual formation as a force for social development; foster relationships and cooperation with related national and international organizations; encourage the learning of English and Spanish languages as a tool for cultural exchange; facilitate the use of appropriate technologies to contribute to the development of Colombia; encourage institutional strengthening through service excellence, and in general, encourage philanthropic activities.

Key objectives include:

– facilitate access to formal and non-formal education

– promote and support models of holistic development

– promote integral spiritual formation as a force for social development

– foster relations and cooperation with related national and international organizations

– promote the learning of the English and Spanish languages as a tools for cultural exchange

– encourage the use of appropriate technologies to contribute to the development of Colombia

– foment institutional strengthening through excellence in service

– lead philanthropic activities in general

As a non-profit (nongovernmental) ministry organization with an overall mission trajectory of 30 years, Emmaus Road Foundation was established under Colombian law and its oversight lies with the Office of the Mayor in Bogota. The organization aims to empower individuals, families, and communities as agents of social change.

Started in the late 1980s, the IELCO Scholarship Program responds to the pressing need for education of children and young people who cannot have access to education – public or private – due to lack of resources and opportunities. Initially this program funded primary and secondary education but is currently funding university education. In 2023, this scholarship program impacted 278 students and their families. These students were enrolled in elementary, secondary, and university education.

Fundación Camino de Emaus works in a strategic mission alliance with the four Lutheran schools of Colombia. These primary and secondary schools are located in four different geographical regions of Colombia and impact 1500 students, their families and communities. The four schoos include: CELCO Schools of El Cocuy and Sogamoso in Boyacá, CELCO San Lucas School in the city of Bogotá, and the CELCO School in Paz de Ariporo, Casanare. CELCO schools are well known and valued for their academic excellence, their formation in solid Christian values and for their unwavering commitment to the formation of socially responsible citizens. As our motto clearly states, “educating for life”, will continue to be our shared mission.