In the spring of 2011 I was in Mirandita located a few kilometers outside the town of San Carlos. Star of Hope supports the village and the school with among other things food. In the village lives only 16 families and the area contains small farms, pastures, simple houses and abandoned crofts. All the villagers abandoned the area completely during the years 2002 - 2007 when the various guerrilla groups swept through the area. Others had left the area before. Some families came back as late as early 2011.
The families in Mirandita are scattered on the hills in the area. Many people live along the simple small paths. At the top of a hill lies the village's small school with three classrooms, which is also the village gathering place.
It's a bit difficult half to get there, the road is bad and the Colombian army clears slowly but surely different areas of anti-personnel mines. The area that only a few years dictated by the various guerrillas is now secured area, however, is the number of personnel mines left in the area.
The landscape is beautiful with green hills and rippling streams, however, it is still few people in the area. Many have left for good. The 40-year conflict has cut deep wounds in the Colombian soul. Will they ever heal? I am glad that Star of Hope through its partner in Colombia can make a difference in this village.