Colombia is at the northern tip of South America. Colombian culture reflects the indigenous Indian, Spanish and African origins of its people. It has seen a long history of violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups, drug cartels and gross violations of human rights. It has a population of 49 million and Spanish is the major language. Drug trafficking as well as violence and corruption continue to erode institutions. Corruption occurs at multiple levels of public administration.
The city of Santiago de Cali is the third most populated city in Colombia with more than 2 million inhabitants. More than 50% of the population are those who have arrived in the city as a result of forced displacement. Poverty and violence in those regions affect the good upbringing of children. Thus, Salvatorians started a comprehensive training centre in Cali to provide a reflective space to promote holistic development of poor children who are victims of poverty, abuse and violence. The centre aims at improving body and mind of the young by offering psychological help and meals. The centre also engages the children in fun activities and a safe space to reclaim their childhood. It also encourages the development of cultural and artistic talents among the children through a series of cultural activities.
The “Centre for Cultural Action Francisco Jordán”, a Salvatorian socio-pastoral apostolate, is engaged in the prevention of crime and drug addiction as children and young people are constantly at risk of falling prey to both in this particular area. At the same time, it pursues the formation of local youth leaders who can respond to the needs of the local barrios, it promotes Christian living and participation in society. A total of 200 children and adolescents living in some of the most deprived barrios of Bogotà attend the activities of the centre. After more than two decades of service among the poorest communities, the centre needs to be renovated and updated.