“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO NEVER, EVER, EVER STOP DREAMING.” @papa.jaime
In this special edition of Health is Wealth, I have the honor of interviewing Papá Jaime Jaramillo, a social leader, spiritual teacher, writer, speaker, and peace ambassador. Throughout his life, he has inspired thousands of people through his humanitarian activism and his focus on inner peace. Papá Jaime shares his incredible story and explains how his mission of service has profoundly impacted society. Decoding the Brain and Finding Inner Peace Diana Lion: Thank you, Papá Jaime, for being here and sharing your story with our readers. It’s an honor to have this space with you. I would love for you to tell us a bit about your life, how you started this journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how your work has changed so many lives. It would be amazing if you could share the impact of your humanitarian service. Papá Jaime: Of course, Diana. Everything began in 1973, during Christmas—a day that changed my life. I witnessed a little girl lose her life trying to pick up an empty doll box. At that moment, I realized that my mission was to give to others, beyond the material. I started by buying gifts and dressing up as Santa Claus to bring joy to street children, but soon I understood their suffering went beyond poverty. They needed love, peace, and an opportunity to change their lives. That’s how Fundación Niños de los Andes was born, transforming the lives of over 100,000 children. D.L.: What an inspiring story! What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your humanitarian work, and how have you overcome them? My dream has always been for these children to find inner peace. When a person finds peace in their heart, everything changes. They begin to live with joy, and that joy drives them to give their best to others.
P. J.: The greatest challenge has been changing society’s limiting beliefs. At that time, in Colombia, charity was something only priests and nuns did. My approach was different: I didn’t just want to rehabilitate children from drugs but help them find inner peace and purpose. I also faced threats from death squads who didn’t want to see street children given a second chance. On many occasions, neighbors opposed the establishment of homes in their communities. But the biggest challenge was teaching these children that they could change their destinies. My goal has always been for each child who passes through the Foundation to help another, creating a chain of positive impact. A true leader is someone who helps others grow and leave their mark.
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