2022 came to a close with the exciting news that a third Tiempo de Paz children’s centre was finally opening. Long awaited, and long planned – this centre is located in one of the very roughest parts of the tough city of Medellin.

The city’s founding history and collective memory are uniquely rooted in the drug cartels. And although the cartels’ presence has reduced in recent years, the city still lives both with the scars and the present reality of drug dealing. When we asked her how this ministry originated, Liliana said: “Initially it was born from works we did at our church, going to the streets … they were there because they were abused and impoverished when they were children. To stop the cycle, we needed to start working with children in the community.”

In Medellin, Colombia, the Tiempo de Paz Foundation supports about 100 at-risk children in two community drop-in centres with before & after school care. The children attend four hours each day, as public schools run for only half of the day. They receive nutritional and academic support, enjoy sports and music together, receive counselling, and pray as a community. With two centres located in two of the city’s toughest neighbourhoods, it’s a safe place for at-risk children – and there are plans to open a 3rd centre.

In Medellín, Columbia, the Tiempo de Paz Foundation supports about 100 at-risk children in two community drop-in centres. The children attend four hours each day, as public schools run for only half of the day. They receive nutritional and academic support, enjoy sports and music together, receive counselling, and pray as a community. In two of the city’s toughest neighbourhoods, it’s a safe place for children.

COVID-19 restrictions continue in Colombia, and it looks as though the physical centres will have to remain closed for the remainder of the year. While families can now spend more time outside, until September, mobility was severely restricted; children were allowed outside just three times per week for half an hour.

The kids were not in school. Then, their mother found employment as a cook for the food program through Hope Story’s partner Tiempo de Paz. The employment opportunity was a big deal for the whole family.