About Us

Founded in 2014, the foundation has its roots deeply embedded in Yenni Martínez’s relentless fight for hope and opportunity in Comuna 13, Medellín.

It all began with a vision—born not from wealth or privilege, but from the struggle of a woman who refused to give in to the fate imposed by violence and injustice. Yenni had endured poverty, displacement, and wrongful imprisonment, yet she emerged with an unwavering determination to break the cycle for the next generation.

One day, standing on La Perilla—an abandoned plot of land used as a garbage dump—Yenni envisioned something different. She imagined a future where children could run freely, away from the dangers that had haunted her own youth. A future where, instead of being recruited by gangs, they would be guided, mentored, and given the opportunity to dream.

With nothing but faith, Yenni and Andrés—her lifelong supporter—began clearing the land. They removed mountains of debris, reclaimed the space, and transformed it into a soccer field where children could not only play but also learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

The effort was exhausting. Every afternoon, after long days of labor and training, Yenni embraced each child, reminding them that their sweat, determination, and effort would eventually pay off. That their lives could be different if they dared to believe.

What began as a simple soccer field grew into something much greater. With the support of the Los Sembradores movement, Yenni and Andrés managed to expand their mission, providing education, mentorship, and a safe space for hundreds of children in Comuna 13. The soccer field became a symbol of resilience—a physical testament to how far anyone can go when they refuse to give up.

Today, Sembrando Paz y Esperanza stands as a beacon of transformation. From a humble field of dreams, it has become a force for change, proving that even in the darkest corners, hope can take root and flourish.