In Colombia, more than 250 people have died and 200 are missing after landslides engulfed Macoa city, in Putumayo. World Vision is bringing aid to support children and families in their recovery.
Why World Vision is in Colombia
In 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus swept through Latin America. Colombia is the second-hardest hit country, after Brazil. Zika may be linked to microcephaly—a severe birth defect that can cause brain damage. We are working with the Ministry of Health and the international community to raise awareness and reduce infection. The Colombian government and armed insurgent groups are close to finalizing a peace agreement that would end a brutal, decades-long conflict. Over the years, nearly six million people have fled their homes. Generations have grown up with violence, instability, and hunger. As Colombia begins the long journey of recovery, we are working with children and families to promote a culture of peace. Our Peace Builders groups and extracurricular programs are encouraging kids to stay in school and helping them break the cycle of violence. Through economic development efforts, we are restoring livelihoods and empowering youth for a successful future.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Colombia ❯
Progress in Colombia
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- We brought together volunteers, local leaders, parents, and children to learn about child protection, child rights, and positive communication in order to equip children to make decisions in their communities.
- In order to create positive relationships and support children's healthy development, we trained adults on raising children with tenderness.
- We partnered with Peace Advocates to train children and youth on child rights and child protection, and to promote peaceful relationships at home and in the community.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Families participated in trainings on the prevention of infectious diseases and diarrhea in early childhood. They also learned about healthy hygiene habits at home and how to lower the risk of contracting the Zika virus.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- To improve the quality of education, we trained teachers on child-friendly teaching methods and provided students with extra tutoring in reading, writing, and math.
- We collaborated with teachers, parents, and volunteers to organize literacy workshops that encourage strong reading habits for children.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- Our local staff served children and families as a demonstration of God's unconditional love, seeking always to be faithful ambassadors of Jesus.
Prayer Requests from Colombia
World Vision's staff in Colombia are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Pregnant mothers worried about the Zika virus.
Lasting peace in Colombia.
News from Colombia
Voices
Celebrating Easter in Colombia
Celebrating Easter, including its preparation, is distinct to each culture and religious tradition. Candelaria, a World Vision community volunteer, and her daughters Martha and Mara describe how their family prepares and celebrates Easter according to Catholic tradition in Colombia.
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