Everton defender Yerry Mina used the Premier League winter break to visit his charitable enterprise in Colombia and has revealed his goal to “empower young people to choose the right path in life”.
The 25-year-old launched the Yerry Mina Foundation in his hometown of Guachené in 2016.
It is an area where poverty and crime are prevalent, with the charity providing sport and education opportunities for the city’s youngsters.
Mina explained his motivation for establishing the charity and detailed the scale of the provisions it offers.
“I try to do what’s right in my heart,” said the Blues centre-back. “Whatever good I’ve got in me, I try to pass it on.
“My dad had the idea to set it [the charity] up.
“It is a place very low on resources. We had to establish something to give the young kids a chance – to be able to help them make their own decisions and choose the right path.
“They could have a lot of distractions, whether it be drugs or getting involved in carrying firearms, basically wrong examples in life.
“What we try to do is empower the kids so that they have other places to go.
“As well as playing sport, we put on IT classes and we also have dance and music classes.
“And when kids are doing well in school, we try to reward them with some activities. We see it as a way of recognising they are showing signs of following the right path and committing themselves to doing good things.”
Mina joined the Blues from La Liga giants Barcelona in summer 2018 and has quickly become a favourite with Everton supporters.
He has made 28 first-team appearances for the Toffees this season and delivered a series of towering defensive performances.
As well as impressing on the field, Mina’s joyful, infectious personality and enthusiastic work for the Club’s official charity, Everton in the Community, has further strengthened his bond with Evertonians.
The Colombian explained how principles formed in childhood served to shape his character.
“Ever since I left the village where I was born, I’ve always said I’ve been determined to enjoy myself,” he said.
“Of course, you have good days and bad days but through it all you’ve got to make the best of it and enjoy the people around you.
“Here at Everton, this means the players, teammates, coaching staff, and the people who work here at the training ground.
“You’ve got to always be positive – that’s something that I learned way back.
"I’m a big believer in God and it [the desire to be positive] is something that has come from my faith.
“It’s something I’ve learned as a kid - just to be grateful for all you’ve got in life. It’s also important to transfer that happiness.
“I’ve always been a happy person in my family environment and try to take that into my place of work.”
