Colombia newsletter appeal

26 January 2012

“I have a big dream which is to start my own business to help me and my family. I also want to help other young people. I have many dreams! The best thing is that I have them now! And I want them all to come true!”

These are Rafael’ s words. You can almost hear the excitement in his voice. Yet just a few months ago, Rafael was living in fear. Rafael was just 13 years old when he began working nights, sorting rubbish for recycling on the streets. His mum had no money for food, or to keep her son in school, so it was up to Rafael to provide for himself. He worked from 9pm in the evening until 4am in the morning, for payment of around £1.50. The nights were long, exhausting and dangerous.

Many vulnerable children can get drawn into a world of guns and drugs, often being ‘recruited’ on the streets to ferry messages for dealers.

It is dreadful to think what would have happened to Rafael without the staff at the YMCA which helped to change his life by providing him with the safety, food and education he needed to change his life.

Will you give a gift today to protect another child or young person from the danger of the city streets?

Your gift could ensure they have regular meals, and offer them help to return to school, or learn a trade. You’ll set a child on a new, better path. One where they can receive an education, gain skills, find security and begin to have ambitions for the future.

Whatever you can afford will help make a lasting difference. As Rafael would say, you’ll help to make dreams come true.

£10 could welcome a child or young person to the safety of a YMCA centre for two days, covering the costs of providing regular, nutritious meals. It’s the first vital step in getting a child off the streets for good.

£50 could get a young person like Rafael off the streets for 15 days to the safety of the YMCA centre where they will receive nutritious meals and non-formal education - and support in returning to school.

Please give today. Thank you.