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Social Entrepreneur Felipe Vergara is investing in Colombian Talent

June 26, 2012

Fighting poverty is a prime objective of Colombian entrepreneur Felipe Vergara. But instead of funding or clothing, he provides training. He founded the Lumni scholarship network.

https://p.dw.com/p/15LO3
Felipe Vergara (Source: DW)
Image: DW

Corporations invested so that young people with no means can go to college. Once they've found a good job, they can pay back the scholarship. Vergara's network has been granting loans to students in Mexico, Chile und Colombia since 2002. More than one hundred investors - companies as well as private individuals - have paid out some 15 million U.S. dollars. The motives are not only social, but financial: they get their money back with interest. That makes Vergara's network attractive and his idea workable for the long term.