Keeping young people safe in Bogota

In Bogotá, we are supporting young people living on the streets to gain the skills they need to build better futures.

Since we started working with our YMCA partner in Bogotá in October 2009 we have reached around 1,500 young people and expect to work with around 7,000 over the life of the project to September 2011.

Safe spaces that change lives
One of the capital’s four day centres is in a very poor area of Santa Fé, where domestic abuse and violence is not uncommon. As so many children are forced to drop out of school, the centre helps them catch up on their studies so that they can go back.

Activities such as arts, dance, drama and games also help them forget their difficulties for a few hours, have fun and build confidence, leadership and relationship skills. In counselling sessions they can work through their experiences, and by receiving high quality training in activities such as bakery, handicrafts or hairdressing, they can gain the skills needed to one day earn an income.

Mobile schools motivate young people through dance and music.

A mobile school in Bogotá has engaged more than 500 young people living or working on the streets in fun activities such as dance and music, as well as referring them to specialist health services, schools or employment training.

Training has been provided to 50 young people to help them express themselves and strengthen skills and confidence. They are also being supported to speak out and have their voices heard in local policy decision making on issues like availability of jobs for young people.

Juan’s story, 13: Proving myself to my mum and myself
“I didn’t finish primary school. When I was 11 my mum sent me to a children’s home because she couldn’t look after me. I tried to escape five times because it was so bad.

“I used to work with my dad on a construction site. I gave my earnings to my mum to help her buy food and things. My dad used to drink a lot and take drugs, he was involved in gangs. He made my mum’s life a misery, he used to hit her and cheat on her. I’m not in contact with him any more.

“One day, people from the YMCA found me selling pasties in the street and they took me to the centre. Ever since that day my life has changed for the better. The YMCA has made me feel good, I can express myself better now and I want to show my mum I’m worth something.

“I’ve learnt it’s important to respect myself and others and I have learnt about values. The programme has helped me to get a place at school again. My future plans are to help my mum get out of this poverty and help others who are in need. I want to study business administration at university or become a mechanic so that I can earn money to buy my mum what she needs. I don’t want her life to be so hard.”