Colombia

Introduction to Colombia   (View video...)

Geographically situated in northwestern South America; Colombia shares its borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Panama. It is a country that has been described as one of South America’s “most precious gems”.  Snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, wind-swept beaches, colonial cities and joyful festivals highlight a traveler’s perspective of this diverse country. Colombian’s are proud of their cultural and intellectual history, and happily share it with the tourism industry.  But Colombia’s beauty and rich culture are a stark contrast to the difficulties this country faces.

When we hear of Colombia on the news, we hear of the drug trade, rebel soldiers and political instability. What we don’t hear of is how the millions of average Colombian citizens survive in a country that is so devastated by these ills. These average citizens suffer extreme hardships on a daily basis.  Poverty is rampant, affecting an estimated 60% of this country’s vast population. In fact, 9.6 million Colombians are homeless. 9.6 million mothers, fathers, children and elders have no homes to go to. The rural areas are most acutely affected, with an estimate of 80% of villagers living in extreme poverty.

The province of Putumayo is one of the country’s most impoverished regions.  Life here is primitive by western standards, and infrastructure is extremely limited.  The cycle of poverty, poor nutrition, and water-borne disease affects many in this district. Furthermore, this region is one of the epicenters of the Colombian internal conflict, and has a rate of forced displacement eight times higher than the national average. In Colombia our projects commit to aiding school children in a region of the country that is grossly lacking medical, nutritional and educational supports. The province of Putumayo, with its limited infrastructure, poverty, poor nutrition and high rates of displacement is very much in need. A significant percentage of the population is homeless and undereducated. Additionally, as the number of children who are challenged by physical and developmental limitations grows, there is an increasing need for specific educational materials and supplies which we have been proud to assist with. Additionally, we are most focused on the need to educate children, families and communities on the importance of clean drinking water, sanitation and overall health and total well being. Again, it has been our experience that very little is required to make a significant positive impact.