CHILDREN CHANGE COLOMBIA

Children Change Colombia works to ensure that every child can claim their right to a safe and happy childhood and a fulfilling future. We believe that, with an understanding of their rights and the confidence to assert them, children can transform their own lives, their communities and Colombia itself. We work with local partners to tackle key neglected issues, primarily focusing on: EXCLUSION FROM EDUCATION - Although the Colombian Constitution requires children aged 5-15 to attend school, in 2021 over 5 million school-aged children (approximately 30%) were not receiving any form of education. On average, children in rural areas receive less than 8.5 years of education. Our projects involve the use of innovative educational technology, vocational training, and work on environmental issues. RECRUITMENT INTO ARMED GROUPS - The violent world of armed gangs poses many other threats which extend beyond being formally ‘recruited’. This means that the real number of children who have suffered at the hands of these groups is likely to be much higher than official figures suggest. We work to create safer places for children to grow up, and help to develop programs that keep children off the streets and away from the threat of violence and recruitment. SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE - According to the country’s first-ever report on child abuse published in 2019, nearly 42% of young Colombians have been victims of physical, sexual or psychological abuse as a child. Our projects teach children about their sexual and reproductive rights. Our partners collaborate with parents, schools, community groups, police, social workers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create a protective environment for children. They also work proactively to identify and support at-risk children, aiming to intervene before they face the threat of sexual abuse.