An angel called Fermin

In the small town of Panamacito, located in the Colombian Pacific region, life unfolds amid the waters of the San Juan River, a branch of the mighty Atrato River. Fermín, a man with a generous heart, has called this inhospitable place home. To reach Panamacito, one must embark on a six-hour journey by boat, crossing dense forests and facing the river's currents. The absence of roads, electricity, water supply, and medical centers makes life in this place a constant challenge.

The lack of essential services has led to a worrying rate of maternal and infant mortality. The difficulties of access to healthcare have made childbirth risky, often ending with the tragic loss of mothers and, at times, newborns. Thanks to sugarcane harvest and work on the San Juan River, the community survives activities that, though challenging, are essential for survival.

Fermín, a single man with an unwavering ethic, dedicates his days working in the sugarcane mills. Every penny he raises becomes an opportunity for him to improve his life and be the light in the dark reality surrounding his community. Despite his daily challenges, Fermín finds a way to bring hope to those around him.

The tempting aroma of mondongo, a Colombian soup made from the stomachs or intestines of animals, wafts from Fermín's modest kitchen. Although he has economic limitations, he uses his resources to feed, free of charge, the children growing up in Panamacito without the presence of their parents or suffering from a lack of food due to their parents' search for opportunities outside the community.

Amidst desolation and state neglect, Fermín becomes an angel who brightens the lives of those who need it most. His generosity becomes a beacon of hope in the heart of a place that, at first glance, might seem a corner forgotten by the world. Through his tireless work and dedication, Fermín demonstrates that even in the most remote and disadvantaged places, the human spirit can shine with an unextinguishable light. Panamacito, though challenging, becomes the home of a man who turns each day into an opportunity to do good and reminds everyone that, even in adversity, there is room for compassion and solidarity.

Text: Juan David Tena