Echoes from a Migrant Childhood
Understanding the plight of over 70 million displaced children globally on a deeply personal level, Estefanía Rebellón’s own journey mirrors the turbulence of those she serves. Her family’s forced exodus from Cali, Colombia, when she was just 10, planted the seeds of empathy and resilience that would come to define her mission. Now at 32, she is the beacon of hope for many migrant children caught at the crossroads of uncertainty at the US-Mexico border.
A Lifeline in Limbo
Driven by memories of her upheaval, Rebellón founded the Yes We Can World Foundation, focusing on a demographic that is often overlooked: children in transition. Situated in the precarious shelters at the border, her nonprofit stands as a testament to the power of education in providing a semblance of stability amidst chaos. The journey began when Rebellón, struck by the conditions of the migrant camps in Tijuana, decided to pivot from her acting career in Los Angeles and channel her resources into creating learning spaces in these camps.
From Tents to Buses Education on Wheels
Initial efforts saw Rebellón and her partner, Kyle Schmidt, using their savings to erect tents as makeshift schools. However, the vision evolved with the needs of the migrant community. When families moved from camps to shelters, education took a revolutionary turn: a bus transformed into a mobile classroom. This innovative concept meant that the walls of learning could now travel, breaking physical barriers to reach children across various shelters, offering bilingual programs and a bridge to normalcy.
Beyond Education A Fight for Dignity
Rebellón’s commitment transcends academic learning. The organization employs professional educators, customizing lessons for each child, and has received accreditation from Mexico’s education secretary. Operating with an understanding of the legal labyrinth these families navigate, her program emphasizes the dignity of those seeking asylum, advocating for their rights and ensuring their stories are not lost in the tide of bureaucracy.
Challenges, Courage, and Hope
For many migrant children, the journey is fraught with instability, missed schooling, and an overshadowing fear of the unknown. Rebellón, reflecting on her family’s arduous path to citizenship and her parents’ sacrifices, resonates with these struggles. Her initiative now serves 250-300 children daily, extending beyond textbooks to instill hope and pride in their migrant identity.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The Yes We Can World Foundation, with its mobile classrooms, is more than an educational initiative. It’s a sanctuary of empowerment for migrant children, a testament to Rebellón’s conviction that every young soul, irrespective of their origin, deserves a chance at a stable, secure future. Her hope is steadfast: that this endeavor remains a lasting edifice of support, echoing through generations the ethos of being present in times of utmost need.