Hi, I’m Patrick Kunzli. I’m 16 years old and currently living in Colombia. My father is Swiss and my mother is Colombian, which has given me a unique blend of cultures. In 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to live in Switzerland as an exchange student. That experience opened my eyes to different perspectives and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity.

When I returned to Colombia, I became more aware of the challenges my country faces—especially in financial literacy. Through a project with Make-A-Wish, I worked closely with a 9-year-old child, and that experience sparked a strong passion in me for working with young people. I realized I wanted to make a real difference by helping kids understand the importance of financial education.

This led me to create a project focused on teaching the basics of finance to children. In Colombia, nearly 90% of families struggle with saving, debt, and everyday money decisions. I believe that by teaching kids the value of money early on, they can better distinguish between needs and wants and develop healthier financial habits that will positively impact their lives.

My goal is to equip children with these essential skills and plant the seeds for long-lasting change—not just for their futures, but for the future of my country as well.