FAQ

Why are you called "Children of the Andes" if you only work in Colombia?

The Andes are the world's longest continental mountain range, extending over seven South American Countries, including Colombia.

Children of the Andes (COTA) was established in 1991 following the transmission of a BBC documentary on the work of a Colombian organisation called Niños de los Andes (Children of the Andes). We have kept the charity's original name.

During the 20 years that we have been working in Colombia we have gained specialised knowledge about the country and the situation in which vulnerable children live. We have developed strong relationships with our partner organisations, who have expert knowledge of children in Colombia.

Do you still support Niños de Los Andes?

COTA supported the work of FNA for 18 years and raised over £1.5 million to help them develop their good work. In 2009, looking back at what COTA and FNA achieved together, our financial support stopped and Children of the Andes has since been using its limited resources to support other projects.

Are there still children living in the sewers in Bogotá?

Thankfully there are no children living in the sewers in Bogotá at the moment.

Sadly, over the last two decades, more than 3 million people - over half of them children - have been forced to flee their homes in Colombia. Displacement usually means a series of calamities - homelessness, exposure to atrocities, loss of family members, severe trauma and risks of many kinds - and it often leads to increased poverty and marginalisation.

Can I volunteer at one of the projects in Colombia?

We are unable to arrange volunteer placements in Colombia. Please click here to read about volunteer placements in the UK.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to get in touch, we'll be happy to answer any questions you have.