Some people come into the world to leave a mark. Wilson Rico is one of them.  

He joined the Fraternidad Medellín Foundation as Education Coordinator 11 years ago, and from day one he touched the hearts of his colleagues, teachers, students, and the broader community.  

Throughout this time, he supported invaluable projects with infinite love and generosity. He ensured that every space built or renovated had all the elements that students and teachers deserve. He traveled across towns and rural communities carrying the Fraternidad banner with pride. And he listened, like the best of teachers, to children, young people, and adults, always responding with words full of hope, respect, and optimism. 

“Wilson arrived at Fraternidad with all his experience to help us chart the path we would follow over the next years, focusing on how to improve the quality of education received by children in the schools we support. It took several months of research and exploration; not only of educational models and methods, but also of experienced partners. Each one was carefully reviewed and selected with his deep knowledge in education, and we did not make a mistake. He helped us understand the path and the direction we needed to follow. Today, almost 11 years later, we see that his choices have been the right ones, both in scope and in partners. He has carried out diligent, rigorous, and caring follow-up and support for all the decisions we have made. And not only that, he has been a counselor and ally to principals and teachers we have worked with over all these years. Everyone respects and admires him and sees in him a friend and advisor who is always willing to listen, help, and seek solutions. He has been an admirable teammate, who brightens our days with his good humor and human warmth,” says Magdalena Restrepo, Director of Fraternidad Medellín. 

Those who know his work closely can recite his outstanding qualities by heart: his ability to listen, his generosity in sharing knowledge, his consistently positive attitude, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of communities. As Gloria Cristina Villa, Head of Planning and Projects at the GreenLand Foundation, says today: “Wilson, from the very first moment I met you, I felt that your purpose of transforming lives through education is a true strength you carry. You have always been a close, warm, and loving person in every detail. Thank you for your teachings and for the moments of conversation about the future at the best time of each day. I take with me in my heart a great friend who will always remain with me through every lesson you gave me.”

The loving husband of Natalia, the wonderful father of Marcos, and a dear friend to all of us, today concludes his journey at the Fraternidad Medellín Foundation. A journey that marked the lives of thousands of people and leaves us with a memory we will carry forever in our hearts. To Wilson, all our love and gratitude, and the certainty that his life, his spirit, and his smile will forever remain in the heart of Fraternidad.