The Colombian Connection Project

FARC, drugs and war are some of the concepts to which Colombia has always been linked in the media all over the world. Knowing that most of the prejudices foreigners have about Colombia needed to be challenged, Alan Wangenberg started the Colombian Connection Project, that step by step hopes to change the perception of the country and its image in the world.

The participants in the project visited different places in the country, shared a number of activities with several NGOs and took part in lectures given by famous Colombian personalities. The objective was to show them a different country, the real one behind the stereotypes and stigma. Besides, the project raised funds for ‘Colombianitos’, a Colombian charity, and will soon be releasing a documentary that gathers the experiences of the participants.
 
The project received collaboration from different Colombian organizations such as Colombia is Passion, Federación Nacional de Cafeteros and the Bogota Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Semana International reproduces two of the testimonies of the participants that came to Colombia with skepticism and left with a unique experience.

Jason Moore, United States 
Seven years ago, Jason started his own business in design. He went to college in the U.S., he's married and has a two year old daughter. 

Julia Murray, Scotland
She actually lives in the UK. Directs market and public relations in a central gallery in London. She went to Saint Andrews University. Julia actually expects her next trip to have something to do with parachuting.