"Colombia is known for kidnapping, cocaine and FARC" -Master in Public Administration

I was required to submitt a professional project for a scholarship I'm applying to. No more indications were provided.. This is what I have so far! Comments and corrections are more than welcome.

Thanks =)

Colombia is well known for kidnapping, cocaine and FARC. We are an emerging country with high levels of poverty, unemployment and social inequality. Growing up here can be rough. But did you know that at the same time we are in the top five happiest countries in the world? I think this is because we have hope, no matter what situation we are in, we truly believe that things will be better. Well is not enough to believe that things will be better, it is necessary to make them better. And that is what I want to dedicate my life to.

In a recent private forum where the most recognized academics, politicians and business man from Colombia and others Latin America countries participated, it was concluded that innovation is one of the keys for becoming a developed country. I clearly see two challenges in this country where innovation is necessary: closing the technological gap (industrial and agricultural machinery, roads and transportation means, etc) and supporting the current medium and small businesses to become sustainable and more profitable. Working on these challenges is where I want to develop the rest of my professional path.

I picture myself in the short term future working in Colombia in a cooperation agency, a government institution for development evaluating and managing public and private social impact projects, as a consultant developing models for private companies which allow them to being socially responsible but still profitable. Although in the recent years, while working in consultancy firms and during the master in Finance which I am about to finish, I have acquired some of the skills required for this, I am aware that I need to improve my knowledge in economics and public affairs, that is why I have chosen the MPA of XXX.

Once I get back from France, I am looking forward to keep working at the Center of Competitiveness and Strategy, in programs such as implementing inclusive business in Colombia. I am also interested in working at government institutions such as National Planning Department, National Development Fund and the Ministry of Economics, evaluating and implementing innovative programs focused to increase business productivity, generating / managing funds for financing new business projects or implementing development projects. In the longer term, I look forward to spend my last labor years as a teacher. I can't think of a more effective way of inspiring others than sharing not only knowledge but life experiences.

I am confident that the MPA, will provide me with the competencies required for understanding the complex environment and issues faced in Colombia and how to trigger implementable and effective solutions for these issues. By studying at XXX I am not only strengthening my professional profile but at the same time, living in Paris and learning French means accomplish one of my biggest dreams. I sincerely appreciate your consideration for the XXX Scholarship.

It is important to cite the source when you say something like this.

This is a run on sentence:
Well is not enough to believe that things will be better; it is necessary to make them better. ---I fixed it with a semi-colon.

And that is what I want to dedicate my life to. You know, I think this is implied. I think you can replace this sentence with a sentence about a concept very specific and meaningful to you, and central to the theme of this essay.

Let's make a small change here, too: Working on these challenges, is where I want to develop follow the rest of my professional path.

I'll add "also" here: I can't think of a more effective way of inspiring others than sharing not only knowledge but also life experiences.---but actually, I think this sentence is not quite right for expressing what you are trying to express. I don't know exactly what you mean, but I don't think this is clear or poignant. The rest of the essay is, though! This really demonstrates good intentions and deep understanding.