OUR OBJECTIVE
Education – Victory School was located in a very poor rural area where residents were primarily migrant farmers, construction workers, and a small number of persons who have “steady” jobs “in town”. The city of Villavicencio has grown immensely and now pretty much surrounds the property and is drawing a higher educated cross section of families sending their kids to Colegio Victorioso.
The area’s economic conditions made it necessary to develop a scholarship program to enable children of poor families to attend the school. Depending on the school grade, the scholarship meets less than half the monthly tuition charged each student. We depend upon the Lord to provide sponsors for these scholarships and invite you to help a child obtain a Christian education.
Each day begins with a 15-minute devotional. Christian principles are emphasized in classes; the children must learn a Bible verse every day, and are instructed in the power of prayer. The school also participates in numerous inter-school activities, including sports events and musical competitions. Parents have become aware of and acknowledge the positive behavioural patterns the children have developed in this Christian school environment. Many have accepted Christ as Savior.
OUR VISION
Higher Education – We believe the teenage years to be vitally important and those children who have the desire and ability to continue their studies should have the opportunity to do so. For this reason, a high school has been developed. The government required library, is complete.
Our vision is to extend the scholarship program in the near future, to also assist those who have been called to full-time service to attend college, Bible school, or seminary, helping equip them to serve the Lord in a mighty way.
An Events Centre has now been built to host groups, church camps, etc. to bring more revenue to the mission. There is also a swimming pool on the property now. Outreach continues to other areas such as: Finca Marubare, El Por Venir, San Vicente del Caguan.
FUTURE PROJECTS
a) current student trip to Canada – more information to come
b) Outreach crews to Colombia to serve – many opportunities available
HISTORY
Prior to 1978
The idea of a Christian school was conceived, and we felt so strongly that the Lord wanted a school in that location that we invested in desks. Additional double desks were donated, which we repaired and painted. And then we waited…
Late 1981
With our neighbours, we petitioned the Secretary of Education for Meta for two school teachers. The facility available was a poorly-built four room farm house we were converting; therefore we promised to provide classrooms and basic equipment for the school. The government approved our petition and supplied two teachers, one of whom was a Christian of our choosing.
February 1982
The school, located on the VMA property, became a reality. Called “The Cecilia School”, it offered grades 1 through 5 and had two full-time teachers, 80 students, and two soldiers (one of whom was a Christian) who came to help.
By 1985
The Secretary of Education for Meta approved Paraiso Infantil’s petition to be private management of grade 1 – 5 primary school using the “New School” system.
1986
The first year the school functioned under complete management of VMA. Negotiations began for government recognition and approval be the National Ministry of Education as a private Christian elementary school.
1987
In December of 1987, the government of Colombia granted national approval for the school to operate.
1988 – 2024
The ministry continues to grow and expand. We are so excited to see what God has in store for the work moving forward. Please check out the links to see the amazing updates that have taken place both at the school and the mission. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. You all share in the blessings.