Raise Your Hands Up High

Raise Your Hands Up HighRaise Your Hands Up HighRaise Your Hands Up High

Raise Your Hands Up High

Raise Your Hands Up HighRaise Your Hands Up HighRaise Your Hands Up High
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Empowering communities through education

Empowering communities through educationEmpowering communities through educationEmpowering communities through educationEmpowering communities through education
Get Involved

Empowering communities through education

Empowering communities through educationEmpowering communities through educationEmpowering communities through educationEmpowering communities through education
Get Involved

Welcome to Raise Your Hands Up High (RYHUP)!

Growing up in the United States, our founder—Alexandra Gonzalez-Andrade—was fortunate to be surrounded by abundance and opportunities. However, her perspective shifted during annual visits to her mother's native Colombia. There, she witnessed stark disparities in the opportunities available, especially for children. It was heartbreaking for her to see young ones forced to sell food on the streets or water at busy intersections just to survive.


As she matured, Alexandra saw an opportunity to make a difference. Driven by a desire to give back, she decided to support a small orphanage called Diakonia, located outside Jamundi, Colombia. She realized that even a modest monthly contribution could significantly improve the living conditions of the children there. By ensuring the orphanage's stability and its capacity to accommodate more children, they could provide a safe haven for those in need and offer them a chance at a better future.


At RYHUP, our mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth. Through our collective efforts, we strive to uplift the lives of these children and empower them to reach their full potential. We invite you to join the journey to make a meaningful impact and spread hope and positivity to those who need it most. Together, let's raise our hands high for a brighter tomorrow.

About Raise Your Hands Up High

Our Mission

At Raise Your Hands Up High, our mission is to provide essential support and create opportunities for orphaned children in rural Colombia. Since our inception in 2012, we have been dedicated to raising funds in the United States to assist with the basic needs of these boys, aged 3 to 16, including food, clothing, school supplies, and maintenance of their home.

We believe that by nurturing a loving environment and ensuring access to education, we are empowering these children to break the cycle of poverty and thrive. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a chance for a brighter future. Through our efforts, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young boys, helping them build the foundation for success and fulfillment. Together, we are fostering hope, resilience, and opportunity for a better tomorrow.

Capturing Smiles: A Gallery of Our Charitable Efforts

    Meet Our Founder

    Hello, I'm Alexandra Gonzalez-Andrade, the founder of Raise Your Hands Up High (RYHUP). Born and raised in the vibrant melting pot of New York City, I am proudly first-generation American, with roots tracing back to both Colombia and Puerto Rico. Growing up in a bilingual household, I developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the richness it brings to our lives.


    My connection to Colombia runs deep, as my mother hails from there. Throughout my childhood, I had the privilege of visiting Colombia numerous times and spending many summers immersed in its beauty and warmth. These experiences left an indelible mark on me and ignited my passion for making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.


    Now, as a mother of two and happily married, I bring nearly two decades of experience in the field of education to my work with RYHUP. I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities it can provide. However, I also recognize that learning extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. It encompasses the lessons we glean from our communities, our experiences, and the world around us.


    Through RYHUP, I am committed to leveraging the power of education to uplift disadvantaged children in Colombia, offering them hope, support, and the chance to realize their dreams. Join me in this journey as we strive to create a brighter future for generations to come.

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