Introducing the Child Voices Project in Colombia: “Dreams on the Route”

Child Voices Project in Colombia: “Dreams on the Route”

More than 7 million people, many of them families with children, have fled Venezuela[1] in the past decade, and the recent contested election is fueling even more outmigration.[2] The majority of Venezuelan migrants live in Colombia or pass through on their way to other countries in Latin America or the United States.

The Child Voices Project is rooted in a belief that it is essential to hear directly from children about their experiences and perspectives. We believe stories are powerful, both for storytellers and listeners. Sharing a story can be empowering and transformational. Hearing a story can change the way you see the world.

In Colombia, we[3] worked with local Colombian and Venezuelan-migrant-led organizations to co-create the project called “Sueños en Ruta” or “Dreams on the Route.”  The local partners used child-centered participatory methodologies to engage children and families in a variety of storytelling activities. Children aged 3-12 and their families drew maps of their journeys, shared memories from home, and expressed their hopes for the future. In early 2025 we will share their stories and reflections in different formats, which can be used to support advocacy efforts, as well as lessons learned about child participation, which can inform future approaches to bring in children’s voices.

[1] UNHCR https://www.unhcr.org/us/emergencies/venezuela-situation

[2] https://www.ft.com/content/866f7c21-c5c4-436b-89f4-31b09c2d7a2c

[3] The project is a collaboration among ChildArise, La Otra Juventud, IRC Colombia, Fraternidad Venezolana, and Asociacion Palco.