Niños Para Dios
Since 2015 eight million people have fled Venezuela because of economic collapse. Four million of them are now in Colombia.
At first, Colombia welcomed Venezuelans, but that has changed. They are now outcasts. Racism is common. Many live in makeshift homes made of plastic tarps. The Venezuelan refugees walk for weeks to find hope.
Many husbands have left their wives and children to fend for themselves. Dreams of a better life lead them to the streets of Bucaramanga, Colombia. But upon arrival, harsh reality sets in — jobs are scarce and desperation is high.
Many women are left with no choice but to turn to prostitution to survive. Bucaramanga, Colombia, is a beautiful city of 600,000 people but like all large cities, it has its dark side where crime, drug use, and the sex trade industry thrive. This is where children suffer the most, being left alone in dangerous locations facing malnutrition, lack of education, and abuse.
Watch this short video to understand the current situation and how Niños para Dios is helping.
The desperation is real and that is why Niños para Dios (Children for God) childcare center launched its ministry! The children can attend for free and are given a safe place to stay when their mothers work the streets to earn money for rent and food.
The team at Niños are some of our favorite, most humble people! Julian, Carolina, and the staff at Niños have impressed us with their love for the Venezuelan refugee children and their parents. It is their hearts to see these children thrive in Colombia. Because of the childcare center, these young children don't have to join their moms working on the streets or be left alone and unable to leave their room. Now they get to go to "school" and feel safe. They are provided breakfast/snack/lunch, math/reading/singing/basic healthcare classes, and… they get to play!
Java Relief pays the rent for the childcare center each month, and because of your generosity, we haven't missed a payment! We are grateful Java Relief can partner with Niños para Dios so thank you very much for your generosity!
Julian and Carolina Mendoza, Founders of Niños para Dios
“I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them.”
