Solidarity for Colombia, Nydia Quintero's legacy of service to Colombia

In a country where one in three people lives in poverty, natural disasters leave hundreds of families homeless, young people without opportunities for a better future, mothers raising their children alone, and elderly people living in oblivion. Doña Nydia Quintero de Balcázar was a light that found strength to work to improve the living conditions of those most in need.

Her vocation for service was always there. And, thanks to this, she forged her path as an exemplary woman, citizen, and first lady . “As a child, at home, I was raised to help those most in need. I saw my parents working where the poor suffered,” Doña Nydia recalled in 2015, 40 years after the creation of Solidarity for Colombia, her project, her legacy, her very life.

María Carolina Hoyos' farewell letter to her grandmother Nydia Quintero

As a child, I was raised at home to help those in need. I saw my parents working where poor people were suffering.

Today, 50 years after founding her foundation, Doña Nydia passed away with the peace of mind of a duty fulfilled. "Today we say goodbye to an exceptional woman, who dedicated her life to serving others, reaching out to those most in need, transforming aid into collective love, and turning solidarity into a way of life," wrote Solidarity for Colombia after learning the news.

Doña Nydia's memory is not anchored to her role as first lady during the administration of Julio César Turbay Ayala (1978-1982), but to her philanthropic work. Hence, she was known as "the lady of solidarity."

In 1975, Doña Nydia created the foundation, but it wasn't formally established until August 31, 1979. In December of that year, she provided aid to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Pacific coast, with Tumaco being the hardest hit town. There, 165 people died and 280 homes were destroyed. “I picked up the wounded from the streets,” she said a few years ago, recalling the events.

Nydia Quintero: the 'lady of solidarity' who was an example of courage and love

Later, aid to victims of natural disasters became a foundation program (community recovery and reconstruction, which has benefited the most) , along with other lines of action in early childhood and higher education; citizenship, mobilization and impact; nutrition and healthy living; and social innovation. In other words, comprehensive care for those most in need.

Regarding the educational line, in 1991 the Board of Directors created the Diana Turbay scholarship, in honor of Doña Nydia's daughter, who died during the failed rescue operation while she was kidnapped by "Los Extraditables," a group led by Pablo Escobar. This event marked Doña Nydia and increased her aptitude for service.

According to María Carolina Hoyos, granddaughter and current director of the foundation, in Solidarity for Colombia's 50-year history, 5.8 million people have been helped through various programs covering all 32 departments of the country. Today, the organization has a direct presence with offices in Bogotá, Córdoba, and Antioquia.

Along with its programs, the foundation is also recognized for the Solidarity Walk for Colombia, which has been held on the last Sunday of August for the past 40 years. In 1989, Virgilio Barco, by presidential decree, created the National Day of Solidarity, coinciding with this event, another tribute to a woman who always put others first.

The Solidarity Walk for Colombia is an event that combines culture, art, and folklore, characterized by the presence of important figures from the worlds of entertainment and sports. In fact, in 1981, Roberto Gómez Bolaños, better known as Chespirito, accompanied one of the events with the entire cast of El Chavo del 8. That day, the streets of Bogotá were packed, just as in 1983, when Menudo, the most important youth group of the time, rode on a float, or in 1984, the year Brazilian Pelé accompanied Doña Nydia.

This year, the walk, scheduled for August 17, is designed to support programs providing food, education, and psychosocial support for children. The event is expected to be a grand tribute to the woman who institutionalized solidarity as a symbol of humanity.

"Mrs. Nydia dreamed of a country where solidarity wasn't an isolated gesture, but a movement capable of uniting millions of people," the foundation's statement reads. Although she was never interested in politics, her work was ultimately dedicated to political action: changing the lives of millions of Colombians.