Children in Colombia

Working with Children of the Andes to help vulnerable children and young people

The LATA Foundation is pleased to be supporting the work of Children of the Andes (COTA) which provides support to Colombia’s most vulnerable children. COTA have a range of projects throughout the country but we are specifically supporting a project in the coffee region to improve education and prospects for children of migrant coffee workers.

Versión en Espaňol: Niňos de los Andes

Training in Colombia - Photo: COTA

This is the only project of its kind in the coffee-producing region and supports 170 children, all of whom come from impoverished backgrounds and dysfunctional families. It provides them with new skills to support themselves and get away from drugs and violence. Family support and counselling is also part of the project so it works within the whole community. Around half of the children are young offenders, having committed offences such as drug taking or petty crime. The project provides the emotional and practical support they need to return to school and offers vocational training in carpentry and in baking to prepare them for a better future.

Donate by text: You can make a donation of £1 - £5 or £10 to support this project by sending a message in the following format: CHLD12 £x to 70070.

This service works with all UK mobile phone providers. If you prefer to make a larger donation or wish to set up a monthly direct debit to support our work, please click onto our Donations pages or go to www.justgiving.com/lata.

Video: Please click the following link to see a film about their work: Children of the Andes Video

“I have learnt many things here at the project. They treat me well. My favourite part is the woodworking. My parents are very proud of the changes they have seen in me since I started here.” Sara, aged 15

Case Study: Jorge's Story

Jorge is 16 years old and comes from a broken home. He was referred to La Rayuela by the ICBF (Colombian Social Services) after getting involved in taking drugs and stealing. Jorge’s family is highly dysfunctional. Their mother abandoned them a few years ago, and their father is the only role model. Until recently he was not good at controlling his temper, and often lashed out at his children. A few years ago, four of Jorge’s brothers were taken into foster care and then adopted. Their father has never forgiven himself for allowing this to happen, but there is no way to get the children back now.

When Jorge came to the project he was aggressive and confrontational. He would not communicate with the project staff or other children at La Rayuela. He had no interest in going to school. Since he started attending the project however, things have changed. Jorge is no longer taking drugs or stealing; and is taking a renewed interest in his studies. Jorge’s family have also been attending La Rayuela, taking part in family counselling sessions for the last six months. They now discuss things calmly rather than losing their tempers with one another.

Jorge’s father says: “Since my son started coming here he has changed a lot. He no longer steals and has a new respect for other people’s property. I have much more confidence in him, and I am actually excited about his future now and looking forward to seeing where life takes him. I am proud of him.”

Emily Fyson, Project Development Coordinator,Children of the Andes adds; “Thank you for the wonderful support offered to this project by the LATA Foundation. The project has already had a real positive impact on some of the most vulnerable children in the coffee growing area, and on their families as well.

The LATA Foundation is particularly grateful to the Drandjeaw Charitable Trust for their support for this project but more money is needed for the project to continue through 2011 and into the final phase during 2012.

Colombian girl

NB. Names have been changed in accordance with child protection protocols.

Date project approved: 10 March 2009