An introduction to the activities of Humanitude Promotion Headquarters

Albeiro (left) and his daughter Pauline (right)

Following on from the first part, this time we bring you an interview with founder Albeiro. We asked him about the driving force behind his more than 40 years of activity, his encounter with Humanitude, which he calls his "soulmate," and the future he envisions. We delve into the "philosophy of love" that lies at the heart of the foundation.

Q1. Please tell us about your current activities and how your organization is run.

We currently operate four facilities, providing care such as meals, health management, and recreation to approximately 500 elderly individuals. Above all, we provide support that prioritizes "dignity" and "respect."

Approximately 50 children and young people visit the facility every day to interact with the elderly and share their experiences and wisdom. This is an invaluable experience that cannot be replaced by anything else. Since I was a child, I have been involved in activities to support the elderly, involving children my own age. Those activities are the origin of my current intergenerational exchange model.

In addition to our four operating facilities, we also support 50 elderly care facilities throughout the region (the entire prefecture), indirectly supporting more than 4,000 people. Through this network, we strive to protect the rights of the elderly in Colombia and ensure that they never lose their joy of living and their sense of love.

The foundation employs approximately 120 people, including teachers who handle everything from health management for the elderly to administration, operations, and activities. It also partners with universities, allowing students to intern at the facility and assist with operations. This is a required course of study for graduation. For university students, it provides a valuable opportunity to enhance their knowledge and experience in elderly care, helping young people understand that aging is valuable and not something to be feared.

Albeiro Childhood photo of Mr. Albeiro (center photo: Mr. )
Source: Official HP Fundación Albeiro Vargas & Ángeles Custodios

Q2. What has been the driving force behind your continued activities for 40 years?

As a young child, I started my activities with no money or information, but witnessing things gradually come to fruition and realizing that the world can be changed has been my driving force. Every time I see elderly people smiling, proud, and full of joy in life, it's the best energy boost (recharge) that keeps me going. That's why I never feel tired. I feel happy doing what I do and I love my work, so I'm overflowing with motivation, energy, and joy.

Q3. How did you feel when you first encountered Humanitude?

I felt like we were soulmates. Through gazing into each other's eyes, exchanging smiles, and touching each other, I felt like I truly understood what it means to "cherish the elderly as individuals."

When I met Mr. Gineste, he said, "This is the ultimate proof of love and Humanitude." And what's most wonderful is that it's not something that costs money; it's something everyone has in their heart. They just don't know how to express it. Just by opening your heart a little and having a broader perspective, you can experience surprisingly big changes. That is the true greatness of Humanitude.

And now, we are discussing Humanitude not merely as a technique, but as a philosophy of life that values "dignity" and "respect." I am truly delighted that this wonderful Humanitude is spreading to Fukuoka City.

Q4. Please tell us about the changes since you introduced Humanitude in 2019.

Eye contact, smiles, physical touch. These are simple things, but I witness firsthand every day how they instantly change the demeanor of elderly people. I have been unconsciously practicing these things for 40 years, but at the time I didn't realize that it was something that could be systematized.

By introducing Humanitude, we were able to reaffirm its value. Humanitude is a philosophy that enriches the lives of all of us, not just in elderly care. It brings about life-changing transformations.

Currently, depression and loneliness among the elderly are serious problems, but the best and most effective remedy for them is Humanitude.

Activities of the foundation
source: Official website Fundación Albeiro Vargas & Ángeles Custodios

Q5. What are the challenges in operating the intergenerational exchange model, which is the foundation's most distinctive feature?

I don't see any major challenges or problems. It's a wonderful initiative where people can share and learn from each other's history and experiences through play and singing. For example, children and the elderly enjoy karaoke competitions together, and the elderly sometimes teach children how to cook. We also have games where participants compete to see who can give the most hugs to grandpas and grandmas.

Q6. Please explain the mechanisms in place at facilities for the wealthy to support those in need or those who are vulnerable.

This is an "internal subsidy" system that uses the profits from a paid facility for the wealthy to support aid activities. We realized that not only the poor and vulnerable elderly, but also elderly people who are economically able but live in solitude, are seeking love and emotional connection. So we established a paid facility for the elderly called "Casa Mayor," and by using its profits to provide care for the poor and vulnerable, we have created a self-sustaining system.

It is because of this model that we are able to maintain a system through diverse activities that ensures "the activities continue even after I'm gone." Because even if a person dies, the system and love must remain.

To all those who support the foundation's activities
source: Official website Fundación Albeiro Vargas & Ángeles Custodios

Approximately 60% of the foundation's operating expenses come from support from local governments and donations from individuals and companies both domestically and internationally, while the remaining 40% is covered by various activities, including the profits from Casa Mayor. For example, this month we plan to prepare 4,000 lunches and hold an event featuring singing, performances, and other recreational activities. Selling tickets to local residents and using the proceeds to fund the foundation's operations is another one of our many activities.

Near the foundation is a farm where the elderly residents cultivate vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce, and raise chickens and pigs. Through these efforts, they contribute to the foundation's maintenance, and we are stepping beyond the concept of charity. This kind of communal living is an approach to prevent the elderly from feeling that their lives are over. They can feel alive, realize that they still have much to do, experiences to share, and can continue to make a significant contribution to society.

[Editor's Note]

His daughter, Pauline, also joined us for this interview. An engineer by profession, she has spent time with the foundation’s elderly residents since she was a child, and currently supports Mr. Albeiro in a wide range of areas, including the foundation’s operations and public relations.

"My role is to calmly translate my father's passionate drive into tangible results," she said with a smile. I felt that her words held deep respect and unwavering trust. Albeiro 's courageous endeavors are being fully embraced and supported by his daughter. Throughout the interview, the smiles of the two of them that I saw on screen conveyed a warm atmosphere, as if they were enveloped in great love. It was a moment that reaffirmed my belief that the bond of trust between the two of them is a sure driving force that will connect this wonderful activity into the future.