Give at-risk Colombian children a safe home

Dear GlobalGiving friends:

We would like to share with you the story of a child who as many children in Colombia, came to us after suffering a hard life full of abuse. Last year we took care in our centers to 790 children and youngsters exposed to neglect at the hands of their poverty stricken parents.

David* is twelve years old and had originally been given to the ICBF (The official Colombian Family Welfare Institute) by his maternal great-grandmother. Before he came into our program he had lived with his maternal great-grandmother (now deceased), his uncle and aunt, who abused him physically with sticks and straps on a regular basis. David had a close relationship with his great-grandmother, but, as a result of the abuse he suffered, he did not obey rules nor respect authority and behaved badly. According to David’s memories, his mother had abandoned him several years ago and his father had died.

David’s situation was not easy because he was diagnosed with severe behavioral problems associated with a deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When we began to work with him, his behavior was erratic and with a high level of aggression towards other kids and his adult trainers. During his adaptation to the program David had difficulty controlling his anger and mood swings and the only way to show his frustration and powerlessness feeling was by attacking others or hurting himself. However, whilst he has difficulty in following instructions, John responds very well to affection and to praise and personal recognition.

However with the passage of time, with the constant and stable environment and daily routine, his aggression and mood swings gradually started to decrease, thanks to the affection and care that he received from professionals and other kids of the Foundation. He has been taken off the medication to treat his psychiatric disorder and goes to school like any boy his age.

Nowadays  David is a teenager who has grown strong and healthy. He likes to study, play games, have people listen to him and he loves animals, especially dogs. He is currently ready for adoption and eagerly awaiting his new family to come and claim him. Edison, his new father used to work at the Fundacion as a maintenance man and  David is literally in love with him. Until legal process and documents are ready, he will continue under the care and custody of the Fundación Niños de los Andes. When he says proudly “Today is my Daddy’s visit day” we can see how important its being our work.

Your generous support is invested in David. As him, in Colombia over 80.000 boys, girls and adolescents at risk are under the state protection waiting to go back to their homes or waiting for a new family. This is the main reason why we ask you to keep going hand by hand, helping us to give our kids and their families a hope for a better life.

*His name has been changed for protecting his identity.