This project will help: 500 children and youth
Estimated completion date: May 2027
Country: Colombia
Executive summary
Recreational spaces and sports play a vital role in supporting the healthy development of growing children, fostering physical health, social skills and emotional well-being. However, many children living in poverty do not have access to vital infrastructure, including recreational spaces in their communities.
In the Colombiatón community, located in the Barrios Unidos area of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, there are no safe community spaces for children and youth to play. There are also no formal sports leagues for children to participate in, limiting their opportunities to build teamwork, confidence and a sense of belonging through structured play. The community also lacks public green spaces and parks, leaving growing children with limited accessible options for outdoor recreation.
The few public parks that are available are poorly maintained and lack appropriate play equipment for children and youth. Sadly, insecurity in the community, including violent crime, gang activity and drug trafficking have made young people feel unsafe using public spaces, especially at night. In addition, the community lacks trees, gardens and green areas that allow residents to interact with nature in a positive way. This leaves many young people without safe, welcoming environments to relax and experience the many benefits that come from spending time outdoors.
Compassion’s frontline church partners in Colombiatón are concerned for the physical and emotional well-being of the children and youth they serve. Without accessible spaces to exercise and play outdoors, many children and youth live sedentary lifestyles, which can have a negative impact on physical growth and mental health. Young people also have no safe spaces to play with their peers, develop crucial social and teamwork skills and simply relax outdoors.
In this intervention, Compassion will work alongside frontline church partner CO0536 in Colombiatón, Colombia, to build a multisports court and ecological park. The ecological park will have green space and community gardens, while the sports court will be equipped with everything needed to play a variety of sports including volleyball, basketball and soccer. The park will be well-lit and have a constant community presence, ensuring it remains a safe space for children and youth in the Colombiatón community. The 500 participants and their families will also attend training on environmental topics, and children will have the opportunity to learn a sport and participate in sports activities. Beneficiaries and caregivers will also have access to psychological support through this intervention.
Summary
Background
The Hosanna Centre for Integral Development currently serves 411 registered children and youth in the Colombiatón community in Colombia. Since its foundation, centre staff have provided children and youth living in poverty with access to educational support, nutritious meals and spiritual nurture.
Colombiatón is a densely populated community with limited green space. The area lacks adequate infrastructure, including public resources such as recreational centres and parks for children. In 2023, the centre implemented a program aimed to educate participants on physical health and well-being. Participants underwent nutritional evaluations and attended physical activity workshops. After the assessment, it was found that 42 participants were underweight and six were overweight, highlighting the need for consistent access to safe recreational spaces and structured physical activities that support healthy growth and development.
The need
In Colombiatón, Colombia, many children and youth live in poverty. Their community lacks basic infrastructure, including safe, public spaces for children to play, connect with their peers and develop crucial social, emotional and physical skills. Without adequate infrastructure such as parks, sports programs and green spaces, many children growing up in Colombiatón face barriers to developing healthy habits that will follow them throughout their lives.
Your generous gift will help our church partners in Colombiatón build a sports and ecological park—a safe community space where children, youth and adults can spend time in nature, enjoy community gardens and get involved in sports, promoting regular physical activity and well-being. Young people and their families will learn about the importance of caring for nature through environmental education workshops on topics like recycling, water conservation and sustainable practices. Children and youth will receive ongoing training in sports with professional trainers. Four participants per discipline who stand out during the intervention will each be awarded a prize. Participants will attend four different talks focused on issues facing young people and how to make good choices. In addition, participants and caregivers will attend workshops on the importance of physical activity, and parents will be encouraged to support their children as they pursue sports. Families will also have access to psychological support and family therapy. Finally, participants will enjoy a community sports festival and an awards ceremony.
The multisports court will allow 500 children and youth to participate in a sport of their choice, attend sports practices and participate in tournaments and other community sports events. Through these activities, young people will build confidence, resilience and teamwork skills as they heal from difficult circumstances, develop strong community bonds and experience the joy and benefits of regular physical activity.
What your gift will do
Your gift will help build a safe and secure multisport and ecological park in Colombiatón, Colombia, including:
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Multisport court construction
- Soil study and structural design plans
- Labour and installation
- Mesh enclosure
- Accessibility ramp
- Multisport goal area: basketball net, soccer nets and volleyball net
- Ecopark with gardens and greenspace
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Sports training
- Supplies including balls, nets, etc.
- Sports community festival
- Sports coaches salary for 10 months
- Psychology professional
- Workshops
- Recreation and sports therapies for families
- Family therapy
- Weekly life skills training sessions
- Administrative expenses
Logistics
- Local contribution: US$4,112.10
- Handling of funds: Compassion International Colombia will work with centre leadership to ensure this project stays within budget.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Centre staff will monitor the construction of the sports and eco park and will follow up with participating children and families regularly as they participate in workshops and sports activities.