After returning home for a few weeks, we are back in Latin America.

We have reunited with partners Grupo Positivo and IMIC here in Bogota, Colombia. We will be here for two months, supporting various projects leading up to Christmas.

(An organic orchard at a local school. This will be used to support the cooking programme.)

With Grupo Positivo, we spent time in San Luis – a town up on the eastern mountainside of Bogota, on the outskirts of the capital. The peripheral locations of the town is also reflected in its political and social position. The community has little access to the resources and opportunities that those in the centre of the city might have. The township are often victim to trafficking by local gangs, and drug abuse is common. In order to confront this, Grupo Positivo is working with a school here to develop a programme where students will learn cooking skills, and other programmes that teach about violence and sexual rights. These programmes give the children and teenagers a sense of value, and the skills to be able to build a future away from the exploitation of gangs.

in Colombia two years ago working with Grupo Positivo (left) and IMIC (right).

I have built up a strong relationship with Grupo Positivo and IMIC organisations over the six years I have been coming to Colombia. It feels really special be partnering with them again under Step Forward.

Thank you all for your support.