Although Colombia has one of the fastest growing economies in South America, it remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. Almost three million Colombians live in extreme poverty, and as many as one in every ten workers survives on less than $2 a day.
Young people in Colombia
The effects of the long conflict are likely to be felt for a considerable time. High levels of crime, violence and sexual exploitation, together with inconsistent access to a good education, make Colombia an extremely hard place for young people to grow up.
As a result, youth unemployment in Colombia is high with almost one in every five young people out of work.
Y Care International in Colombia
Focusing on the most vulnerable young people, we work with YMCA Bogotá to train and support them to set up businesses or secure employment. This prevents them from being dragged into a life of violence and crime while ensuring they have an income, improve relationships with their families and can participate in their local communities.