Exploring Colombia: From Mountain Coffee Trails to Jungles of Butterflies
Colombia is a country located in South America. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, it might be at the top of your bucket list — Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. In fact, it’s home to Triángulo del Café or “The Coffee Triangle,” where world-class coffee is made across the rolling hills and slopes of the Andes.
This vibrant country features 20% of the world’s butterfly species, including hundreds of species you’ll find only in Colombia. Many of them fly within the Amazon jungle under rich, green canopies of trees.
While Colombia is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity, it’s also home to many children living in poverty, as you’ll discover in this video.
The Reality of Poverty Across Colombia
Recent data shows that nearly 32% of Colombia’s population lives in poverty. About 8.5% live in extreme poverty, which means they must survive on less than $3.00 a day. This amount is far from enough for basic needs, leaving many children without necessities like nutritious meals and safe water.
Because of the level of poverty in Colombia, children face other complex challenges, like violence, which you’ll explore in this video.
Compassion’s Impact in Colombia: By the Numbers
Compassion International has served children living in poverty throughout Colombia since 1974. Currently, in partnership with more than 300 local churches, over 90,000 children are loved, cared for and protected.
In this video, you’ll learn how children in Colombia’s most impoverished communities receive the care they need as they grow, from nutritional support to education — all in Jesus’ name.
Read the Full Video Transcript: Our Impact in Colombia
This transcript reflects the spoken content of the video and is provided for accessibility and reference.
Welcome to Colombia, a country known for its coffee, diverse birdlife and vibrant butterfly population. Hi, I’m Luja, a Compassion graduate. It is a blessing for me to share with you about my country, which has incredible natural beauty and a rich biodiversity.
Since 1974, Compassion has been serving in Colombia, in partnership with 308 local churches. Nowadays, more than 90,000 children receive nutritional food, experience God’s love, and are loved and protected. They receive support from early childhood to youth.
Colombia faces complex challenges, like violence, teenage pregnancy, extreme poverty and lack of access to clean water. Despite this, local churches, situated in the most impoverished and dangerous communities, strive to bring hope to children and families through the Word of God and holistic care.
Participants with special education needs are receiving support, especially in Indigenous and Afro communities. Churches promote healthy habits in children and care for their nutritional needs, including access to safe water. Seven thousand five hundred teenagers received training on menstrual hygiene and the importance of caring for their sexual and reproductive health.
Finally, thanks to spiritual formation, many participants are becoming God’s disciples and enjoy receiving Bibles. The work of the church and Compassion — more than just financial support — has the opportunity to change generations. They changed my story and that of my family. I am grateful because they believe in me and my dreams. They allowed me to know Jesus and see the world with hope.
Now I can serve others and share everything God has done in my life. Each child matters deeply, and every church plays a vital role in transforming communities. Together, we accomplish this mission. Thank you for helping us make an impact.