Prevent Sexual and Gender Violence in Colombia

In an effort to address the impact of violence and trauma on children in Colombia, especially in the context of sexual violence, we are focusing on providing specialised training to caregivers and community leaders in nurturing touch techniques to support children's emotional and social development. A core component of the program is the introduction of baby massage as an effective method to foster a deep bond between children and caregivers, enhancing emotional regulation, trust, and security. 

Sandy, a childhood development specialist and Director of the Spanish-speaking branch of Blossom and Berry, has been instrumental in launchsing a fundraising campaign to support this intitiative. Her work is rooted in a vision to help children overcome trauma, especially in areas heavily impacted by violence such as Colombia's Caribbean regions. Sandy's expertise in nurturing touch techniques, particularly baby massage, aims to reqire the brain's response to trauma by creating environments where children feel safe, loved, and respected. By using nurting touch, caregivers can rebuild bonds with children, helping to reverse the damaging effects of exposure to violence. 

The program is structured to provide qualified facilitators who train caregivers and community leaders in these techniques. Through a combination of workshops and hands-on demonstrations, caregivers learn how to apply nurturing touch, paying close attention to childrne's cues and emotional needs. The training also emphasises the power of touch in stimulating circulation, improving digestion, and supporting the immune system. More importantly, the emotional benefits of nurturing touch include building a strong sense of self-worth and belonging in children, which is crucial for overcoming the impact of violence. This initiative is crucial in communities affected by ongoing violence, where children may face neglect or difficulty bonding due to the emotional strain on their caregivers. The early years of a child’s life are formative, and by incorporating nurturing touch into parenting practices, we hope to mitigate the cycle of violence and trauma. Sandy’s fundraiser aims to provide resources for the necessary training to ensure that these techniques can be passed on to those who need them most. The ultimate goal is to empower communities, break the cycle of intergenerational trauma, and build healthier, more supportive environments for the children of Colombia.