Our work in the UK
Projects for Colombian Latin American and Minority Youth in the UK
Migrant communities in the UK, especially Latin American youth, face significant barriers to integration and social mobility, contributing to cycles of exclusion and poverty. Despite being one of London’s fastest-growing communities, Latin Americans are not officially recognised as an ethnic minority in the UK census, leaving them excluded from many policies, services, and support programmes that other racialized groups can access. This lack of recognition has real consequences: Latin American youth, particularly Colombian children, often experience discrimination, economic hardship, and limited access to education. The lack of education and opportunities for these children makes it even harder for them to break the cycle of poverty.
Education is a fundamental tool for overcoming poverty, yet many migrant children face exclusion from education due to systemic barriers, including poverty and a lack of access to education. The effects of childhood poverty are compounded for children living in marginalized communities. In these situations, the absence of adequate support and educational resources can severely limit their future prospects.
Through initiatives like Colombia Colores, we aim to address these issues by offering educational workshops that celebrate Colombian culture through music, dance, and art. These workshops not only help Colombian-born, second, and third-generation children in London embrace their heritage but also foster a sense of pride, belonging, and connection within their communities.
Our work is deeply aligned with charitable goals that seek to tackle the exclusion of children in education, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds. By promoting awareness of the importance of education in lifting children out of poverty, we strive to create collective communities where migrant youth can thrive. We are working towards ensuring that Latin American youth in the UK are no longer left behind, but have the opportunities they need to succeed, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
Through partnerships with charities, businesses, and community organizations, we are striving to increase support for migrant children in the UK and create sustainable, long-term solutions. By fostering a sense of belonging, we ensure that these children feel valued and integrated into their communities, which is essential for their well-being and development. We can all contribute to improving education for children and raising awareness about the importance of education in overcoming poverty. Creating a supportive environment where children feel they belong can empower them to reach their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.
Where we work
We currently work in Lambeth, Elephant and Castle and Seven Sisters in London, through our Colombia Colores initiative, where we engage directly with the local Latin American community, providing opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and community-building. We also have peace building activities with the children, parents and teachers of these communities as part of our project PazA la Mochila.
Our work in the UK also includes academic events in key universities such as UCL and LSE to discuss important subjects about Colombia and the UK. Finally as part of our advocacy activities we have had sessions with governmental stakeholders such as the Parliament or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on child rights. Through these efforts, we aim to empower both children and adults in the Colombian diaspora, helping them navigate challenges and build stronger, more connected communities.
