Our Mission
Under the visionary leadership of Renata Jacobs, Cartoneros y sus Chicos is dedicated to improving the lives of the Cartoneros and their children, offering them hope for a better future.
At the heart of our mission is education. We provide personalized tutoring and essential learning materials such as computers, books, and writing supplies. This educational foundation is enriched by a variety of extracurricular workshops, including sewing, weaving, music, sports, and painting. Led by dedicated educators, these activities nurture both intellectual and emotional development while encouraging individual talents and interests.
Beyond academic support, our commitment extends to strengthening the community and improving overall quality of life. This is just the beginning of a broader mission to foster resilience and create long-term opportunities for the families we support.
The work of Cartoneros y sus Chicos is made possible through donations, fundraising events, partnerships, and sponsorships. With continued support and collective effort, we can build a future filled with hope and opportunity.
Creating Change: Renata Jacobs’ Mission for Education and Hope
For decades, Renata Jacobs has traveled across South America, particularly Argentina, with a clear mission: to give a voice to disadvantaged communities and create real change.
In the 1990s, the Zurich-born philanthropist founded an education project for the children of Gauchos living on Argentine ranches. Thanks to her relentless dedication, this initiative has become self-sustaining—proof that lasting impact is possible.
But Renata wanted to do more. Her passion led her to a new challenge: supporting the children of the Cartoneros, the waste collectors of Buenos Aires. With a deep belief in the power of education, she is committed to ensuring that Cartoneros y sus Chicos gives children in the city’s outskirts real opportunities for a future beyond poverty and uncertainty.
Cartoneros y sus Chicos gives children from the poorest outskirts of Buenos Aires a real opportunity for a better future.
While their parents walk the streets every day, collecting recyclable materials to make a living, their children gain access to quality education, care, and a safe environment to learn and grow.
Education & Development – We provide schooling, tutoring, and educational programs that help children reach their full potential.
Creating Future Opportunities – We equip children and their families with values, knowledge, and skills to improve their long-term quality of life.
Healthy Nutrition – We ensure that our students receive a nutritious meal every day, allowing them to focus and learn effectively.