Transforming lives through art and education
The origin of a legacy
Background
María Isabel, Johana Mesa con Börje Herdtman
Ankla Center Foundation was born with the goal of promoting the defense of human rights by creating a space to rebuild the social fabric through art. Our mission allows children and adolescents in vulnerable situations to recognize their emotions and set their souls free.
Under the leadership of its founder, Maria Isabel Mesa, this work began in the Granizal settlement in the municipality of Bello. What started as artistic workshops in 2012 consolidated into a foundation in 2016, expanding its programs and reach.
Motivated by her own life story—marked by the violation of her rights and her discovery of art as a path for expression and healing—Maria Isabel designed a methodology for emotional release. She envisions art as a holistic therapy to transform and save lives.
Since she was a child, Maria Isabel was supported by the Ankarstiftelsen Foundation and its founder, Börje Erdtman, who became her adoptive father after finding her and her sister in an orphanage in 1995.
Deeply moved by her past, Maria Isabel decided to dedicate her life’s project to working for children who, just like her, need support. This is where her mission and purpose truly begin.
Mission
At Ankla Center, we believe that transforming lives is possible when we join forces. We work in Vereda Granizal, one of the most vulnerable communities in Colombia, creating real opportunities for children and their families. Through art, education, and social support, we build bridges to a dignified future, fostering the well-being and autonomy of the entire community.
Vision
We will be a leading Foundation in individual, family and social development processes that optimizes the life project of infants and young people, guaranteeing the fundamental rights of children such as: development, survival, protection and participation, seeking the improvement in their quality of life, becoming a model Foundation of identification for the rest of the community especially for those who work with children.
"Honoring the legacy of the one who taught me that hope is the most powerful tool for transformation."
Our story in our own words
A 14-minute journey through the life of our founder and the foundations of this dream.
Our trajectory
2016
June 1st of this year marks the official birth of the Ankla Center Foundation, consolidating its legal constitution and inaugurating our work in a dignified setting. This milestone allowed for the formal launch of our social mission, establishing a solid foundation for community work and projecting a long-term commitment to the well-being of the population.
2017
2018
During this year, educational and artistic programs were strengthened, promoting the integral development of our participants. Additionally, we consolidated a team deeply committed to the institutional mission. These actions contributed to the personal, creative, and social growth of the beneficiary community.
Social Objective
Ankla Center works to build social cohesion and improve the quality of life for residents of Vereda Granizal, in the municipality of Bello, one of the most vulnerable communities in the country. Through programs aimed at children and their families, the foundation seeks to meet essential needs, promote holistic development, and create opportunities for social transformation, always with a sustainable and participatory approach.
Our commitment is to ensure community well-being through strategies of promotion, training, management, and planning, strengthening autonomy and social organization. We encourage family participation so they can be active participants in improving their environment, promoting access to better living conditions and responding to their collective aspirations in a context of social risk.
Territorial Characterization
Data with Soul
El Pinar Sector
Granizal Path
(Bello, Antioquia)
+ 32,000 inhabitants
in a vulnerable situation
90% victims
of the conflict
armed
School Population
18,000 children and young people in need of access to art
High territory
social complexity
and community resilience
Settlement
informal
Founders
Börje Herdtman
Co - founder
Maria Isabel Mesa
General Director & Founder
"Anchoring dreams, transforming realities."
