During one of our last days at Granitos, I had the opportunity to interview one of the social workers there. The interview was to kick off my undergraduate thesis, and definitely provided some ideas and direction for my research. Our conversation was recorded and transcribed, the copy of which is still in Colombia, so this is a basic summary.
Lilibet works directly with the community, in contact with every age group. The foundation provides assistance in some way to every generation, from nurseries to an old folk’s center. Their work is highly tailored to suit the specific needs of the community, and a great deal of research is done to ensure their work is as efficient and successful as possible. Among the transformations Granitos has brought to the area, the creation of recreational facilities is one of the most important. Previously, children and youth had no space in which to play or exercise. Granitos has provided several locations, similar to a YMCA, where kids can spend time in a safe and productive environment.
I asked about the different identities of the community. Economically, she categorized them as a strata one zone, on a scale from 1-6. Many work in the informal sector selling food or other products on the street, or as drivers. Many are unemployed. Politically they are apathetic. Political candidates hire community leaders to buy votes during campaigns. Often their promises go unfulfilled and these candidates “disappear” after the elections. This posed a great challenge to the foundation when it first arrived in Rafael Nunez, as many people were reluctant to trust and open up to its workers. Lilibet said that Granitos gained credibility through its many programs for children.
Culturally they are deeply rooted in their afrocentric backgrounds. Interestingly, few are religious. Lilibet estimated that maybe 30% attended mass or service. There was no Catholic church in the area, but there was an evangelical church. I asked her of the extent to which religious identity or commitment affects the day-to-day lives of people in the community, and she sort of implied the same apathy that exists towards politics. I brought up the religious imagery prevalent in the area, pictures of Jesus and Mary and various saints, and she mentioned la Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of drivers. She is often celebrated by those working in the informal sector because many are drivers who look to her for protection. There is a festival day for her in July, and her image is present on the back of many buses and taxis. Granitos as an organization works completely independently of religion or religious beliefs. However, they do receive occasional donations from a nearby church.
I will post the transcribed edition hopefully later this summer.