Colombia is a country with significant natural resources, and a diverse culture which reflects the Spanish, African and indigenous Indian origins of its people. However, the country continues to be devastated by an internal armed conflict that has lasted over 40 years. Thousands are killed each year and over three million people have been internally displaced, 55% of them under 18 years old.

The YMCA has been present in Colombia since 1963. Y Care International has been working in Colombia since 1985, in partnership with the Federation of Colombian YMCAs and Bogotá YMCA. Current projects include; supporting the rehabilitation and social reintegration of former child soldiers, preventing at-risk children and young people from abandoning their homes to live on the streets and training young people to promote peace and democracy.