Plan Colombia Annual Program Report 2007

146.5mm FLAP

148.5mm BACK

Challenge and change in Colombia

Real progress

“Colombia is a country of great contrasts and inequality, and social divides continue to widen. While part of Colombia is experiencing six percent economic growth, the forgotten Colombia is becoming poorer and more vulnerable,” says Plan’s Country Director Gabriela Bucher.

With the support of Plan, children and adults in Colombia are working together to develop their communities and claim their right to a better future. And real progress is being made.

Last year, our work included:

Education, sanitation, water and healthcare are particularly poor in rural areas, especially amongst displaced people and Afro-Colombians, descended from slaves.

There are high rates of childhood illnesses and malnutrition.

In response, Plan’s priorities include preventing childhood illnesses, improving health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and helping families to increase their incomes. We work closely with the government to strengthen their vision of children’s rights and encourage them to develop laws and policies that support children.

In this Country Progress Report, we look at one project where Plan is helping communities to uphold children’s rights by combating domestic violence and abuse. p Plan is supportin g work to teach young children about hygiene and looking after their own health

Colombia country facts Secondary-age children not in school: 32%

Population: 42 million Capital: Bogotá UN Human Development Index ranking: 70th (of 177 countries)

• Training 392 health workers and 6,000 families in managing childhood illnesses

• Supplying 151 clinics with basic supplies of medicine

p Speaking up for their rig hts: displaced at the Constitu children tional Court

• Helping to draft and promote the new Law for Children and Adolescents which came into effect in May 2007, to protect children’s rights

• Facilitating the first ever public hearing with displaced children at the Constitutional Court to demand that the government uphold their rights.

So on behalf of the children and communities we work with, thank you to all our sponsors!

(Sources: the UN, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

Plan UKReport on Plan programs in Albania for the year ended June 2007

COL

Any enquiries please contact: Nick Burton. e: nick@bright-uk.com m: 07884 367567. d: 020 7620 8150 Size (Prod)

Colours(Prod)

Art (A/D)

Colombia

Plan’s greatest successes come from a joint effort combining the hard work and determination of communities, children, volunteers, staff, and partner organisations. The ongoing support of our sponsors is a vital ingredient, too. It’s their generosity and commitment that allows us to continue to help children in 49 of the poorest countries in the world.

People without safe drinking water: 29% (in rural areas)

Admagic No: Bright No: Client name: File name: Date: Size: Studio proof:

148.5mm FRONT

0407 100647 PLAN 0407_Colombia 12.12.07 210x443.5mm FOLD TO A5 4 Client proof: 3 Copy (C/W)

Content (Acc.)

Country Progress Report 2007

146.5mm FLAP

148.5mm BACK

Challenge and change in Colombia

Real progress

“Colombia is a country of great contrasts and inequality, and social divides continue to widen. While part of Colombia is experiencing six percent economic growth, the forgotten Colombia is becoming poorer and more vulnerable,” says Plan’s Country Director Gabriela Bucher.

With the support of Plan, children and adults in Colombia are working together to develop their communities and claim their right to a better future. And real progress is being made.

Last year, our work included:

Education, sanitation, water and healthcare are particularly poor in rural areas, especially amongst displaced people and Afro-Colombians, descended from slaves.

There are high rates of childhood illnesses and malnutrition.

In response, Plan’s priorities include preventing childhood illnesses, improving health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and helping families to increase their incomes. We work closely with the government to strengthen their vision of children’s rights and encourage them to develop laws and policies that support children.

In this Country Progress Report, we look at one project where Plan is helping communities to uphold children’s rights by combating domestic violence and abuse. p Plan is supportin g work to teach young children about hygiene and looking after their own health

Colombia country facts Secondary-age children not in school: 32%

Population: 42 million Capital: Bogotá UN Human Development Index ranking: 70th (of 177 countries)

• Training 392 health workers and 6,000 families in managing childhood illnesses

• Supplying 151 clinics with basic supplies of medicine

p Speaking up for their rig hts: displaced at the Constitu children tional Court

• Helping to draft and promote the new Law for Children and Adolescents which came into effect in May 2007, to protect children’s rights

• Facilitating the first ever public hearing with displaced children at the Constitutional Court to demand that the government uphold their rights.

So on behalf of the children and communities we work with, thank you to all our sponsors!

(Sources: the UN, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

Plan UKReport on Plan programs in Albania for the year ended June 2007

COL

Any enquiries please contact: Nick Burton. e: nick@bright-uk.com m: 07884 367567. d: 020 7620 8150 Size (Prod)

Colours(Prod)

Art (A/D)

Colombia

Plan’s greatest successes come from a joint effort combining the hard work and determination of communities, children, volunteers, staff, and partner organisations. The ongoing support of our sponsors is a vital ingredient, too. It’s their generosity and commitment that allows us to continue to help children in 49 of the poorest countries in the world.

People without safe drinking water: 29% (in rural areas)

Admagic No: Bright No: Client name: File name: Date: Size: Studio proof:

148.5mm FRONT

0407 100647 PLAN 0407_Colombia 12.12.07 210x443.5mm FOLD TO A5 4 Client proof: 3 Copy (C/W)

Content (Acc.)

Country Progress Report 2007

148.5mm INSIDE

Changing attitudes, ending violence Violence in families is a major social and economic problem in Colombia.

Two million children and young people are abused or affected by violence every year.

The physical and emotional impact of such abuse is long-lasting. Abused children often fail both at school and in employment. Many become abusers, continuing the cycle of abuse from one generation to the next.

The cycle is strongest in the areas of greatest poverty. Take the town of Quibdó on the coast of western Colombia, one of the poorest areas of the country. Health, water and sanitation are poor, and many families live in overcrowded conditions. Children often work selling fruit, or labour in mines or on farms. Neglect is common, and older children are often given responsibility for younger siblings.

Changing attitudes In Colombia, 47% of women have experienced domestic violence, and 67% of women punish their children physically. And Quibdó's rates of domestic abuse, like its level of poverty,

148.5mm INSIDE

local volunteer family trainers who are working in six community organisations in Quibdó and neighbouring areas. They carry out educational work with families and community groups, set up groups to promote women’s and children’s rights, and lobby schools and representatives of local organisations responsible for child protection.

In Quibdó, family trainers have set up a group called the Foundation for Life and Hope. The Foundation encourages families to value each other and respect each others’ rights. It also gives them communication skills so they can solve problems peacefully.

p Quibdó’s children at a festiva l organised by the Foundation for Life and Hope

are among the highest in Colombia.

For many families, violent and aggressive behaviour has become normal, resulting in broken relationships and damage to children's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

The Foundation provides a training course for primary school children and their parents called “Promoting a Culture of Good Treatment”. The course covers issues such as assertiveness, preventing violence, and children’s and women’s rights. So far 1,200 people have taken part in these courses, including children, parents, and teachers.

So to help stop abuse, Plan has to work to change attitudes, and make sure all families see physical abuse as unacceptable. In a project targeting domestic violence, we’ve trained 77

As a result, children are changing the way they act. Teacher Jazmin sees a real difference: “These workshops have helped the children a lot,” she says.

“They’re now more respectful and

146.5mm INSIDE

affectionate with their classmates.

Their parents also think differently about physical punishment.”

better. Now I don’t harangue my daughters so much and I talk to them more.”

Plan will also keep striving to stop the lives of thousands of children being devastated by violence and abuse.

The Foundation also holds local and regional events such as family retreats and forums to spread the message on child protection to institutions like the Family Court and the Attorney General.

The most recent regional forum was attended by members of the Quibdó and Chocó local governments, giving politicians the opportunity to hear about problems affecting families.

“This process has made me grow as a mother, a woman and a community volunteer.”

Some names have been changed for privacy and child protection reasons.

Jairo, a father who also took part, feels a new sense of potential: “Sometimes the state doesn’t fulfil its obligations, but we keep striving to improve family relationships in Quibdó and Chocó.”

“These workshops have helped the children a lot. They’re now more respectful and affectionate with their classmates.”

Communities taking action Thanks to the Foundation, family relationships are improving and parents are treating their children better in Quibdó. Foundation member Maruja says: “This process has made me grow as a mother, a woman and a community volunteer. It’s helped me to improve my relationship with my family and to help other women and families in my neighbourhood to treat their children

p Women’s rights and childr en’s rights are closely interwoven: this shows a town forum discussing the wellbeing of local wome n

148.5mm INSIDE

Changing attitudes, ending violence Violence in families is a major social and economic problem in Colombia.

Two million children and young people are abused or affected by violence every year.

The physical and emotional impact of such abuse is long-lasting. Abused children often fail both at school and in employment. Many become abusers, continuing the cycle of abuse from one generation to the next.

The cycle is strongest in the areas of greatest poverty. Take the town of Quibdó on the coast of western Colombia, one of the poorest areas of the country. Health, water and sanitation are poor, and many families live in overcrowded conditions. Children often work selling fruit, or labour in mines or on farms. Neglect is common, and older children are often given responsibility for younger siblings.

Changing attitudes In Colombia, 47% of women have experienced domestic violence, and 67% of women punish their children physically. And Quibdó's rates of domestic abuse, like its level of poverty,

148.5mm INSIDE

local volunteer family trainers who are working in six community organisations in Quibdó and neighbouring areas. They carry out educational work with families and community groups, set up groups to promote women’s and children’s rights, and lobby schools and representatives of local organisations responsible for child protection.

In Quibdó, family trainers have set up a group called the Foundation for Life and Hope. The Foundation encourages families to value each other and respect each others’ rights. It also gives them communication skills so they can solve problems peacefully.

p Quibdó’s children at a festiva l organised by the Foundation for Life and Hope

are among the highest in Colombia.

For many families, violent and aggressive behaviour has become normal, resulting in broken relationships and damage to children's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

The Foundation provides a training course for primary school children and their parents called “Promoting a Culture of Good Treatment”. The course covers issues such as assertiveness, preventing violence, and children’s and women’s rights. So far 1,200 people have taken part in these courses, including children, parents, and teachers.

So to help stop abuse, Plan has to work to change attitudes, and make sure all families see physical abuse as unacceptable. In a project targeting domestic violence, we’ve trained 77

As a result, children are changing the way they act. Teacher Jazmin sees a real difference: “These workshops have helped the children a lot,” she says.

“They’re now more respectful and

146.5mm INSIDE

affectionate with their classmates.

Their parents also think differently about physical punishment.”

better. Now I don’t harangue my daughters so much and I talk to them more.”

Plan will also keep striving to stop the lives of thousands of children being devastated by violence and abuse.

The Foundation also holds local and regional events such as family retreats and forums to spread the message on child protection to institutions like the Family Court and the Attorney General.

The most recent regional forum was attended by members of the Quibdó and Chocó local governments, giving politicians the opportunity to hear about problems affecting families.

“This process has made me grow as a mother, a woman and a community volunteer.”

Some names have been changed for privacy and child protection reasons.

Jairo, a father who also took part, feels a new sense of potential: “Sometimes the state doesn’t fulfil its obligations, but we keep striving to improve family relationships in Quibdó and Chocó.”

“These workshops have helped the children a lot. They’re now more respectful and affectionate with their classmates.”

Communities taking action Thanks to the Foundation, family relationships are improving and parents are treating their children better in Quibdó. Foundation member Maruja says: “This process has made me grow as a mother, a woman and a community volunteer. It’s helped me to improve my relationship with my family and to help other women and families in my neighbourhood to treat their children

p Women’s rights and childr en’s rights are closely interwoven: this shows a town forum discussing the wellbeing of local wome n

148.5mm INSIDE

Changing attitudes, ending violence Violence in families is a major social and economic problem in Colombia.

Two million children and young people are abused or affected by violence every year.

The physical and emotional impact of such abuse is long-lasting. Abused children often fail both at school and in employment. Many become abusers, continuing the cycle of abuse from one generation to the next.

The cycle is strongest in the areas of greatest poverty. Take the town of Quibdó on the coast of western Colombia, one of the poorest areas of the country. Health, water and sanitation are poor, and many families live in overcrowded conditions. Children often work selling fruit, or labour in mines or on farms. Neglect is common, and older children are often given responsibility for younger siblings.

Changing attitudes In Colombia, 47% of women have experienced domestic violence, and 67% of women punish their children physically. And Quibdó's rates of domestic abuse, like its level of poverty,

148.5mm INSIDE

local volunteer family trainers who are working in six community organisations in Quibdó and neighbouring areas. They carry out educational work with families and community groups, set up groups to promote women’s and children’s rights, and lobby schools and representatives of local organisations responsible for child protection.

In Quibdó, family trainers have set up a group called the Foundation for Life and Hope. The Foundation encourages families to value each other and respect each others’ rights. It also gives them communication skills so they can solve problems peacefully.

p Quibdó’s children at a festiva l organised by the Foundation for Life and Hope

are among the highest in Colombia.

For many families, violent and aggressive behaviour has become normal, resulting in broken relationships and damage to children's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

The Foundation provides a training course for primary school children and their parents called “Promoting a Culture of Good Treatment”. The course covers issues such as assertiveness, preventing violence, and children’s and women’s rights. So far 1,200 people have taken part in these courses, including children, parents, and teachers.

So to help stop abuse, Plan has to work to change attitudes, and make sure all families see physical abuse as unacceptable. In a project targeting domestic violence, we’ve trained 77

As a result, children are changing the way they act. Teacher Jazmin sees a real difference: “These workshops have helped the children a lot,” she says.

“They’re now more respectful and

146.5mm INSIDE

affectionate with their classmates.

Their parents also think differently about physical punishment.”

better. Now I don’t harangue my daughters so much and I talk to them more.”

Plan will also keep striving to stop the lives of thousands of children being devastated by violence and abuse.

The Foundation also holds local and regional events such as family retreats and forums to spread the message on child protection to institutions like the Family Court and the Attorney General.

The most recent regional forum was attended by members of the Quibdó and Chocó local governments, giving politicians the opportunity to hear about problems affecting families.

“This process has made me grow as a mother, a woman and a community volunteer.”

Some names have been changed for privacy and child protection reasons.

Jairo, a father who also took part, feels a new sense of potential: “Sometimes the state doesn’t fulfil its obligations, but we keep striving to improve family relationships in Quibdó and Chocó.”

“These workshops have helped the children a lot. They’re now more respectful and affectionate with their classmates.”

Communities taking action Thanks to the Foundation, family relationships are improving and parents are treating their children better in Quibdó. Foundation member Maruja says: “This process has made me grow as a mother, a woman and a community volunteer. It’s helped me to improve my relationship with my family and to help other women and families in my neighbourhood to treat their children

p Women’s rights and childr en’s rights are closely interwoven: this shows a town forum discussing the wellbeing of local wome n

146.5mm FLAP

148.5mm BACK

Challenge and change in Colombia

Real progress

“Colombia is a country of great contrasts and inequality, and social divides continue to widen. While part of Colombia is experiencing six percent economic growth, the forgotten Colombia is becoming poorer and more vulnerable,” says Plan’s Country Director Gabriela Bucher.

With the support of Plan, children and adults in Colombia are working together to develop their communities and claim their right to a better future. And real progress is being made.

Last year, our work included:

Education, sanitation, water and healthcare are particularly poor in rural areas, especially amongst displaced people and Afro-Colombians, descended from slaves.

There are high rates of childhood illnesses and malnutrition.

In response, Plan’s priorities include preventing childhood illnesses, improving health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and helping families to increase their incomes. We work closely with the government to strengthen their vision of children’s rights and encourage them to develop laws and policies that support children.

In this Country Progress Report, we look at one project where Plan is helping communities to uphold children’s rights by combating domestic violence and abuse. p Plan is supportin g work to teach young children about hygiene and looking after their own health

Colombia country facts Secondary-age children not in school: 32%

Population: 42 million Capital: Bogotá UN Human Development Index ranking: 70th (of 177 countries)

• Training 392 health workers and 6,000 families in managing childhood illnesses

• Supplying 151 clinics with basic supplies of medicine

p Speaking up for their rig hts: displaced at the Constitu children tional Court

• Helping to draft and promote the new Law for Children and Adolescents which came into effect in May 2007, to protect children’s rights

• Facilitating the first ever public hearing with displaced children at the Constitutional Court to demand that the government uphold their rights.

So on behalf of the children and communities we work with, thank you to all our sponsors!

(Sources: the UN, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

Plan UKReport on Plan programs in Albania for the year ended June 2007

COL

Any enquiries please contact: Nick Burton. e: nick@bright-uk.com m: 07884 367567. d: 020 7620 8150 Size (Prod)

Colours(Prod)

Art (A/D)

Colombia

Plan’s greatest successes come from a joint effort combining the hard work and determination of communities, children, volunteers, staff, and partner organisations. The ongoing support of our sponsors is a vital ingredient, too. It’s their generosity and commitment that allows us to continue to help children in 49 of the poorest countries in the world.

People without safe drinking water: 29% (in rural areas)

Admagic No: Bright No: Client name: File name: Date: Size: Studio proof:

148.5mm FRONT

0407 100647 PLAN 0407_Colombia 12.12.07 210x443.5mm FOLD TO A5 4 Client proof: 3 Copy (C/W)

Content (Acc.)

Country Progress Report 2007