child sponsorship

Colombia

Compassion began partnering with churches in 1974.

304 church partners

 

Over 91,380 children registered

 

1,120 mums and their babies supported

About Colombia

Hola (Hello in Spanish)

Colombia is located in South America and its diverse landscape has everything from snow-capped volcanoes and tropical beaches to dense rainforests and sprawling savannas. Music, dance and soccer are all important parts of Colombian culture. However more than five decades of internal conflict has made it harder for vulnerable Colombian children and their families to access safe shelter, medical care and education. Across the country, local churches continue to support and encourage children and their families, reaching out to those in need.

Watch the latest video update to learn more about Compassion's work in Colombia.

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HOW YOU CAN PRAY 

Thank you for praying for staff, children and families in Colombia 

Pray regular for parents in poverty who every day need to find out a way to provide food for their children and for the Compassion Global Food Crisis fund to help changing this reality to bring at least two meals daily to their homes.

Prayers for more sponsors who write children a letter every month and plan a visit with others to South America with Compassion to provide and experience personal life-changing opportunities for children.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in Colombia 

Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.

  • Children aged 1 to 3 receive home-based care
     
  • Children aged 3 to 11 visit the Compassion centre each weekeday when they are not in school
     
  • Children aged 12 and older attend the centre for six hours on Saturdays 

Compassion assisted children in Colombia typically attend program activities at their local child development centre before or after school. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Colombia.

Devotional time - Children are taught to pray.

Spiritual lessons - Children sing songs and learn Bible stories. Children usually receive their own Bible within a year of joining the Child Sponsorship Program.

Break and snack time - Children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships. They are often provided a snack of biscuits and juice.

Social-emotional lessons - Children learn conflict resolution skills and how to develop healthy self-esteem and a godly character. Children often come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.

Lunch and social time - Children generally receive a snack and lunch at the centre twice a week. Lunch usually consists of rice and beans. If the children do not receive food at school, the local church aims to provide lunch each day.

Health lessons - Children learn practical health and hygiene lessons.

Letter writing and career planning - Older children work with local staff to identify their strengths and interests and set goals for their future.

Children are also encouraged to join in activities such as sports, yearly camps, festivals and spiritual retreats. Students can elect vocational training skills, such as computer maintenance, beauty skills, tailoring, baking and shoe making. Parents and caregivers are invited to workshops on parenting skills.

Writing to your child is the best way to build a relationship, and your words of encouragement can mean the world.

Write a letter

Ready to expand your sponsor-family? Make a decision today that could impact another child's tomorrow.

Sponsor a child from Colombia

Let us know if we can help you in your sponsorship journey or click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

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