Carmen's story

Carmen used to find communication with her husband and children hard, turning to confrontation and violence when problems arose. Life is better thanks to Y Care International’s partner YMCA in Colombia, which helps families like hers to address the issues that often result in children and young people leaving home.

"I used to suffer very low self esteem", says Carmen. "I fought with my husband and sometimes he would hit me. As for my kids, I rarely saw them. They preferred to hang out on the streets than be at home."

Carmen's children were approached by YMCA outreach workers and Carmen met a friend whose life had been transformed by the YMCA. Carmen has been with the YMCA for three years. "In the beginning I was fearful of talking about my life to strangers, but they came to my house and made me feel relaxed, and for the first time, valued."

Carmen believes there is another reason why her relationships with her husband and children have vastly improved. "The YMCA helped me to take courses in jewellery making and how to set up a small business. My new independence has helped me make new friendships and gain the respect of my children."

This is a far cry from the Carmen of old, who shied away from responsibility or confronting situations. "I used to just do as my partner said. I know now how to be a leader, and am aware of my rights as a woman. I won't just be pushed around."

Carmen hopes to continue to learn more about listening and understanding her children, so she can give them a good home life. "The YMCA have shown me that I am a woman with many possibilities ahead of me and I have everything it takes to be positive, if I have confidence in myself."