Colombia, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural heritage, also carries a heavy burden. For decades, violence, poverty, and corruption have cast long shadows over the lives of millions. Yet, for some, the scars run deeper than mere statistics can convey.
Ana Cecilia, a young girl from rural Caquetá, at just thirteen, witnessed her brother’s murder and the destruction of her home. Ana’s life changed forever when armed paramilitary forces invaded her family’s farm. Forced to flee, Ana’s life became a series of attempts to escape violence, but it always seemed to catch up with her. “Those people humiliate you terribly. They take away the little dignity you might have,” Ana recalls. Her story is not unique. Thousands of children, many girls, have lived caught in the brutal crossfire of Colombia’s armed groups, subjected to unimaginable atrocities. Their innocence is stripped away as they are forced to endure violence, slavery, and often, coerced participation in these illegal armies.
While Ana eventually fled to an urban settlement in Altos de Cazucá, just outside Bogotá, her battle wasn’t over. Her heart was weighed down with fear and trauma. “Every time I close my eyes, I remember everything,” she confesses, unable to shake the memories of the violence that marked her past. From Darkness to Light: The Conviventia Approach
It’s stories like Ana’s that drive Conviventia’s mission. We recognize that poverty and violence are not just material issues but deeply relational ones—a result of fractured individuals’ connections to God, others, and themselves. Many, like Ana, are left with a broken sense of identity, haunted by memories of trauma, striving in daily survival. At Conviventia, we don’t believe in quick fixes. We know that real change comes through sustainable transformation by leading people to restore their dignity and purpose, grounded in their identity as children of God. Through our holistic work in education, technical and entrepreneurship training, and spiritual development, we provide tools to break the chains of dependency and violence.
Family and Community: The Foundations of Restoration
Central to our mission is the belief that transformation starts with the family. Families like Ana’s, who have been torn apart by violence, need more than just physical assistance. They need a pathway to heal emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. At Conviventia, we emphasize the importance of strong family bonds and work to instill values like mutual respect, responsibility, and love in every program we implement. We know that when families thrive, communities thrive. This is why our programs extend beyond immediate needs, helping individuals like Ana Cecilia rebuild their lives, strengthen their families, and contribute to building a society that values dignity and peace.
A Biblical Vision of Hope and Restoration
Our work is rooted in the conviction that every person, no matter their past or present, is created in the image of God and needs to hear the message of restoration. While the world often focuses on temporary and material relief, we are called to something deeper. We believe in creating opportunity—creating wealth, not just material wealth, but spiritual and relational richness—through hard work, innovation, and faith. Our role is to walk alongside those who have been broken by the horrors of conflict and forced migration, helping them discover their God-given identity and purpose. As co-laborers with God, we work to restore not only what was lost but to bring about a new vision for the people we serve—one where they can live in peace, freedom, and opportunity, rooted in the love and justice of Christ.
A Call to Partner in Hope
The road to restoration is long, but it’s not impossible. Just as Ana Cecilia continues to rebuild her life in the aftermath of trauma, thousands of others in Colombia are in desperate need of hope. At Conviventia, we are committed to being that beacon of hope, leading individuals and families toward healing and transformation. But we cannot do it alone. We invite you to join us on this journey—to pray, support, and walk alongside us as we work to transform lives.
Together, we can bring the light of God’s love into the darkest corners, where violence and despair once reigned. Through faith and action, we are laying the foundation for a Colombia where peace, dignity, and hope can flourish.