Photographing Colombia’s children of hope
Photographer Nyla Sammons documented underpriviledged children in Bogota, Colombia, where civil war and abject poverty has left thousands of orphans homeless
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In June this year, the Colombian government and the FARC armed rebel group announced a “definitive” ceasefire, spreading hope for the end of the world’s longest running civil war.
But the nation’s problems remain rife – with decades of conflict, a thriving illegal drugs trade, human trafficking and extreme violence, the Latin American country is one of the most dangerous places for a child to be born today.
Fundacion Colombia Chiquita offers protection and care to children in danger or at risk of abandonment. Founder Mama Esperanza – or “Mother Hope” – started the charity 25 years ago, using her own home to shelter underprivileged children.
Despite suffering from her own serious physical impairment and losing her right leg after a road accident, Esperanza Lopez has cared for and supported more than 700 children with the help of her family and volunteers in Bogota.
British photographer Nyla Sammons went out to meet some of them.
“When I was told the story of Esperanza Lopez, I not only wanted to meet her but I wanted to meet the children that she had dedicated her life to helping,” says Sammons, 32.
“I travelled to Suba in Bogota, a very underprivileged part of the city, but temporarily forgot my surroundings when I entered the building and was greeted with happiness and joy by the children, who ranged from 6 months to 15 years old.”
Some 577,000 child orphans were recorded in Colombia in 2010, many having lost their parents to street violence from FARC guerrilla groups. A high proportion of children are also given up by desperate parents who cannot afford to offer them safety.
Around 37 per cent of the country’s street children are said to be living in Bogota city.
“During my time at the foundation, I was soon introduced to Ezperanza’s assistant,” says Sammons. “Prior to working for the charity, she was faced with the potential ordeal of aborting her unborn child, believing that this was the best and only real option.”
“Mama Hope encouraged her not to go through with the abortion and helped turn her life around, by taking the baby into her care, employing the young woman and giving her emotional support.”
“Now the young mother is able to see her child every day whilst working and earning a living through the charity.”
“I was humbled by these children, who in despite of having very little, visibly displayed happiness in their eyes and contentment in their actions - something which I felt was in no small part down to the love and support from Mama Hope.”
“The charity takes on volunteers from all over the world throughout the year and it is through this time given, and donations, that the charity is able to continue.”
Nyla Sammons - www.nylasammons.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments