Thank you for taking a moment to read this - it means a great deal to us. We’re raising funds for Children Change Colombia (CCC), a UK-based charity with a mission to ensure a safe and happy childhood for every child in Colombia. 

As some of you may know, Cori was adopted as an infant from an orphanage in Bogota in the late 70’s. Her orphanage, Fundación CRAN, is one of CCC’s key partners.

Just before we got married, we visited her orphanage as part of our first trip to Colombia. We were fortunate to meet some of the beautiful children who were living there temporarily. It was a powerful experience, but we left knowing we had more to give than just a brief visit to donate a bag full of toys.

Cori’s Story

After a lot of self-reflection during lockdown, I decided to learn more about my Colombian heritage and support children in need.  I joined the outreach team at Children Change Colombia and started researching my biological past. 

Through a series of fortuitous events, I found my birth mother. I also discovered I have a half brother and more than 40 cousins!  At 42, I was lucky enough to hear my mother’s voice and see her face for the first time on a video call. It was a life-changing moment.

My brother has since shared heart-breaking stories with us. As peasant farmers from a remote village, life has been difficult, but they are a loving and proud family. Each time we speak, Beckett and I better understand how a lack of socioeconomic support and awareness of human rights impacts a child’s life.

How you can help

Children Change Colombia believes that with an understanding of their rights and the confidence to assert them, children can transform their own lives, their communities and Colombia itself. But this is difficult work. CCC focuses on the key neglected issues for children - the ones that are too complicated, hidden or geographically difficult to manage. They are a small team and need support.

Where your donation will go

Every year, CCC partners with my orphanage Fundación CRAN (Bogotá & Meta) to provide foster homes and psychosocial support to 50 children formerly associated with illegal armed groups. This program helps them recover from the trauma they have experienced and develop the life skills necessary to reintegrate into society, access State support, and navigate the legal system if necessary. They also have a prevention program in rural schools in Meta to prevent forced recruitment of children and young people. Please help us keep this program thriving!

Every bit helps 

• £10 could sponsor 1 workshop where 30 children learn key information to keep them safe from armed groups
• £50 could provide 1 month of supplies for workshops for 30 demobilised children
• £100 could help provide psychosocial sessions for a young person in detention centres for a month

Plant a seed 

• Share this Just Giving page with your friends, families and colleagues 

• Subscribe to the Children Change Colombia newsletter here [https://childrenchangecolombia.org/] 

• Pledge a recurring donation here [https://childrenchangecolombia.org/donate/] to help Colombian children and their families challenge poverty, inequality and violence. 

We’re so appreciative of your time and support. 

Cori & Beckett