Prevention Across 4 Cities
Our newest three-year initiative is a transformative project designed to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by empowering children, young people, and their communities in four cities across Colombia.
Empowering Young People and Strengthening Communities (2024–2027)
Addressing gender and sexual-based violence.
The link between poverty and sexual and genderbased violence is widely recognised, and applicable to the case of Colombia. In some of Colombia’s major tourist cities, such as Cartagena and Bogotá, patterns of sexual violence are normalized. The influx of large numbers of tourists fuels local sex industries, which are sustained in part by the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). Estimates suggest that around 35,000 children are involved in CSEC throughout Colombia.
Further, the majority of children who experience sexual or gender-based violence come from the lowest income groups, living on the outskirts of major cities or in isolated rural communities. Between January and August 2023, the national police registered over 8,000 sexual crimes against minors.
Our newest three-year initiative is a transformative project designed to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by empowering children, young people, and their communities in four cities across Colombia.
Each year, we aim to reach 1,310 children and young people (CYP) who are at risk of SGBV, providing tools, support, and safe spaces that promote protection and empowerment.
By the end of 2027, this project will have reached over 5,000 participants, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to prevent violence and foster safer, more resilient communities.
Through strategic partnerships with schools, universities, and public institutions, this initiative is designed to create not only immediate impact but also long-term, systemic change in how communities address and prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
Check out how we help children heal trauma.
What are we doing?
This comprehensive project focuses on prevention, mitigation, and awareness-raising through a wide range of community-based activities:
- Socio-emotional skills training and self-protection workshops to help CYP navigate risks and build resilience.
- Counselling sessions and coping workshops to support mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Artistic youth groups that use creativity and expression to raise awareness, build solidarity, and inspire change.
- Leadership development for young community leaders to advocate for their rights and promote the prevention of SGBV.
Working with Families, Educators, and Institutions
We believe that lasting change happens when whole communities are involved. That’s why we also work closely with:
- Parents and carers, who receive training to strengthen positive parenting and nurture a culture of protection.
- Teachers, who are supported to identify risks and foster safe, inclusive environments.
- The “Teach Love” Nourishing Touch programme, which builds nurturing relationships in early childhood to establish long-term protective factors.
Supporting Survivors and Building Futures
The project also ensures that survivors and vulnerable families are not left behind. We support them through:
- The development of life plans to build autonomy, confidence, and hope.
Alternative livelihood strategies to reduce exposure to exploitation and strengthen economic security.
