COLOMBIA  FoCoKnits

Will you only work with teens?
No! As we grow we plan on offering knitting lessons to anyone who is willing to commit to learning and supporting the cooperative community. We just need more space and more machines.

What about child labor laws?
Colombia has strict child labor laws: anyone under 16 is not allowed to work and we can‘t pay them directly for the sellable goods that they produce in their training classes. When we sell something that a student makes, we put 50% of the sale price into their account at the orphanage, and the remainder goes back into the training program for supplies. The students get their account when they reach age 18 or leave the facility.

How are knitters recompensed for their work?
Knitters under the age of 18 are not allowed to work for pay in Colombia. Half of the sales price of their knitted item comes to FOCO, to buy more machines, yarn and to support the program. The other half is banked for the knitter until he or she turns 18. They receive 10% of their earnings as pocket money as well. Knitters over the age of 18 are paid by the piece.

Are you a nonprofit in the USA?
Yes. Friends of Colombian Orphans is a tax exempt charity under US Internal Revenue Code 501[c][3]. A copy of the approval letter from the IRS is linked to our DONATE page.

Are you a nonprofit in Colombia?
Yes - We operate in Colombia as Fundacion Juventud Colombiano en Riesgo "Youth at Risk" a licensed Colombian humanitarian organization.

When will I be able to purchase baby clothing?
Our knitters are still working on samples: our goal is to have baby clothing for sale by the April of this year.

How can I help?
Do you know of any retail outlets in your part of the world that would carry our clothing? Let us know!

Can I receive gift aid for my donation if I am in the UK?
Yes: if you are a UK taxpayer and select UK as your location on the donation page, you will then be asked if you would like to giftaid your donation. Doing this means we can claim up to another 25% on your donation.

Do you accept donations?
Yes we do. There are donate buttons all over this website. We appreciate it!!

More questions? Email us at      colombianorphans@yahoo.com