Unseen Struggles: The Fight for Filandia's Youth
Group photo from our first Student Leadership Retreat with Eyson and Karson and the youth they support in Filandia, Colombia
In the heart of Colombia's coffee region, the town of Filandia seems like a paradise with its lush green hills and colorful houses. Yet beneath this façade lies a community grappling with harsh realities—realities that many would rather ignore. For the children of Filandia, life is a daily battle against threats that range from poverty and family instability to the pervasive influence of drug cartels and human traffickers.
A Sanctuary in the Midst of Turmoil
Eyson and Karson, Village Reach's dedicated dreamers, have committed their lives to building a sanctuary for children and youth in Filandia. Their ministry, Fundación Pioneros, focuses on after-school programs, tutoring, and Bible studies—creating a safe space for young people to learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ.
However, their work is far from easy. Filandia, like many parts of Colombia, faces significant social issues, including the pervasive threats of human trafficking and drug-related violence. These challenges cast a long shadow over the lives of the children Eyson and Karson serve, making their ministry both crucial and urgent.
Prayer before presentations. The theme for the retreat: Dreams Within Reach.
The Harsh Reality Faced by Filandia's Youth
Colombia has made strides in reducing violence and improving the quality of life in many regions, but the country still struggles with the remnants of its decades-long conflict and the powerful influence of drug cartels. Filandia, though more tranquil than larger cities like Medellín or Cali, is not immune to these issues.
Human trafficking remains a critical concern throughout Colombia. A 2020 report by the U.S. Department of State revealed that over 23,000 minors are estimated to be involved in trafficking in the country, and rural areas like Filandia are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and economic opportunities.
The drug trade is another pervasive issue. Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine, accounting for over 70% of the global supply, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The presence of drug cartels and criminal networks brings violence and instability, putting children at constant risk of being drawn into illegal activities or becoming collateral damage in the crossfire.
Our dreamers have often shared with us that even if a child isn’t directly impacted by trafficking or the drug trade, when young people don’t know their God-given identity and inherent worth then the societal forces at place may cause them to face insecurity, self-harm, and suicide.
The cell phone basket, where cell phones going during programming so everyone can focus on what's being shared
Unstable Homes and Strained Families
In addition to these external threats, many children in Filandia face turmoil within their own homes. The instability often begins with the departure of fathers, a common issue in many Colombian communities. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reports that around 34% of households in Colombia are headed by women, often due to absent fathers. These households face higher levels of poverty and insecurity, further exacerbating the challenges faced by children.
This strain places an overwhelming burden on mothers, who are often left to raise children alone while trying to make ends meet. The lack of a stable family structure contributes to a cycle of poverty and vulnerability, making it even harder for these children to break free from the influences of drugs, violence, and exploitation.
Eyson and Karson witness these struggles daily in the lives of the children they work with. Many of these young people come to their programs seeking not just education and spiritual guidance, but also the stability and love that are missing from their home lives. The ministry offers a sense of family and belonging, providing these children with role models and mentors who can guide them through difficult times.
Building a Brighter Future: Ongoing Projects
Despite the immense challenges, Eyson and Karson are not just maintaining their ministry—they are expanding it with the help of Village Reach. The first major project Village Reach undertook with Fundación Pioneros was the Student Leadership Retreat. Fully funded by Village Reach, this retreat aimed to empower young people to become leaders in their community. We not only supported the event financially but also sent our team to Filandia to help bring this vision to life. The retreat was a resounding success, bringing together students from various backgrounds and providing them with the tools and inspiration to make a positive impact on Filandia. The success of this event has inspired plans to make it an annual occurrence, fostering a new generation of leaders who can help steer their community toward a brighter future.
In addition to the retreat, Village Reach is partnering with Fundación Pioneros to trial a student sponsorship program. This program allows donors to sponsor a young person, covering the costs of their education and providing them with the support they need to succeed. Beyond individual sponsorships, a portion of the funds raised will go toward securing a permanent home for Fundación Pioneros, giving the ministry a stable base from which to expand its outreach and support more youth and kids in need.
This sponsorship program is more than just financial assistance; it’s an investment in the future of Filandia. According to UNICEF, about 40% of Colombian children live in poverty, severely limiting their access to quality education and increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. By ensuring that children can continue their education and have a safe space to learn and grow, the program helps break the cycle of poverty and violence that has plagued so many families in the region.
Katlyn (VR Co-founder) and Atalie serving on behalf of Village Reach
A Beacon of Hope
In the face of these daunting challenges, Eyson and Karson's ministry stands as a beacon of hope. Their after-school programs provide a safe environment for children to stay off the streets, where they are at risk of encountering traffickers or drug dealers. The tutoring sessions help bridge the educational gap that many of these children face, offering them a chance to dream of a future beyond the immediate struggles of their community.
The Bible studies are more than just spiritual lessons; they are a source of moral grounding and strength for these young people. In a world where they are constantly exposed to violence and exploitation, learning about God's love and justice gives them a foundation to stand firm and make better choices for their lives.
Real Impact, Real Challenges
The impact of Eyson and Karson's work can be seen in the lives of the children they serve. Many of these kids, who once had little hope for the future, are now excelling in school, developing strong moral character, and dreaming of careers that will lift them and their families out of poverty.
But the challenges are real and ever-present. The ministry often lacks the resources it needs to fully address the complex issues facing Filandia's youth. Funding is always a concern, as are the threats from those who profit from the very problems Eyson and Karson are working to solve.
A Call to Action
The time for change in Filandia is now. Eyson and Karson's ministry is making a tangible difference, but they cannot do it alone. These children, living on the edge of hope and despair, need the support of those who believe in a future where they are safe, educated, and free from exploitation.
We invite you to learn more about the work being done in Filandia and to consider how you might contribute—whether through prayer, financial support, or by spreading the word. The challenges are immense, but so is the potential for change. Together, we can help protect these vulnerable young lives and give them the opportunity to thrive. The future of Filandia's children is not set in stone—it’s something we can shape, with your help, one child at a time.
