Children of the Andes

Children of the Andes (COTA) is committed to keeping children safe, defending their rights, and strengthening local organisations in Colombia.

We believe that every child has the right to safety, education and a happy childhood. These rights must be fulfilled by families, communities, government and non-government agencies working together.

We support the children that need us most. They include street and working children, abused and exploited children, children displaced by conflict and those living with disabilities or in poverty.

COTA was founded in 1991 in response to a documentary highlighting the plight of children living in the sewers of Bogotá. Since then, we have become the largest UK charity working exclusively in Colombia.