Colombia
Meet Lieva (24)
Growing up in Colombia’s capital city, Lieva’s life has been marred by violence. Determined to ensure that young people like her don’t suffer in silence, she is using art as a message of hope and resilience...
“We look to art as an alternative to continue facing difficult situations.”
What we do
In Colombia, creative talent lies around every corner. Our programme draws upon this raw music and arts scene to strengthen young people's ability to cope with the violence they experience.
Through play, movement and peacebuilding activities, we invite youth from both large refugee and host populations to team up and channel their emotions into something positive.
Together with parents, caregivers and teachers we work to boost community protection mechanisms with an aim to prevent the use of children by gangs and armed groups. The inclusion of youth in local decision-making as well as the design of our projects aids this process.
Our projects
Curious to learn more about a specific project? Click on the pins in the map below.
Where we work
7,155
CHILD PARTICIPANTS
4,647
ADULT PARTICIPANTS
9
PARTNERS
8
WAR CHILD PROJECTS
-
-
Resguardos de Paz
Chocó and Antioquia
Working with the Embera Katío, Embera Dobida and Wounaan ethnic groups to strengthen community protection strategies and identify the greatest threats to children’s wellbeing and safety -all in the context of increased internal armed conflict and extreme weather events. -
Art for Life
Bogotá, Cali, Medellín and Buenaventura
In response to human rights violations carried out against protestors in May 2021, War Child joined forces with youth networks in four major cities. Through art and culture, we give young people a platform to express their mental health challenges and call for change. -
Community-Led Child Protection Project (CDCP)
Chocó
Coaching indigenous and conflict-affected communities on how to play an active role in the protection of children and young people - all through our innovative Seeds tool. Find out more -
Connect With Your Future
Bogotá
To become an agent of change, you need the opportunities to do so. A combination of vocational and life skills training, cultural outings and digital learning courses to help youth (aged 15-24) develop a positive outlook on their future. -
Play it for Life and Future
Bogotá
Through a joint effort with KNVB and its WorldCoaches programme, young sports enthusiasts receive professional training to become football coaches and transmit life skills to children through soccer. The project directly tackles urban crime and violence.
-
Seeds
Usme
This innovative child protection approach sees communities take the lead in the protection of children. We work together to strengthen local structures as well as the processes involved in preventing abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. Learn more.
-
Safer Together III
Bogotá?
A unique combination of two methods from our Care System: Seeds and the Caregiver Support Intervention. Through this combo we aim to develop a community care network that prevents physical and psychological harm and is led by children and youth themselves. Learn more.
-
Community-Case Detection Tool
[REGION]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco.
Latest news from Colombia
Our partners in Colombia
Cormepaz
Drawing upon their deep knowledge of the local context, we work with this community-based NGO to deliver vital psychosocial support for children affected by urban violence.
Go to website
Reino de los Países Bajos
The Netherlands Embassy supports our work with youth in urban areas, specifically through the financing of two key projects.
Go to websiteContact
AnneMarike Smiers is our Country Director in Colombia. Want to say hello or keen to join forces? Please reach out via one of the channels below.
Follow us
Follow War Child Colombia on social media for all the latest:
