Our History
- The Path that Defines Us
Roots and Purpose: Our History, Mission, and Methodology
The history of Benposta Nation of Young People in the World is written by thousands of lives that, for over 60 years, have transformed anguish and social exclusion into hope and the fight for the fundamental rights of children, girls, and young people. This story began in Ourense, Spain, with the priest Jesús César Silva Méndez (Father Silva), who, along with a group of teenagers and a motorcycle, created what was initially known as the "City of Boys."
Later renamed Benposta Nation of Young People, through this social experience, Benposta has given voice and visibility to those who need it most, creating an impact that has transcended borders, carrying a clear message: the fight for a dignified life and the recognition of children and young people as social subjects.
It all started as a dream...
The Circus of the Boys
The Circus of the Boys was born in Benposta as a platform to show the world a message of life and hope. With more than 85 countries visited, the circus became a powerful pedagogical and political tool, spreading the message of peace and justice worldwide.
1973
In Colombia, the Circus arrived at the end of 1973, and the following year, the first Benposta headquarters was founded in Tocancipá, Cundinamarca. Since then, Benposta has grown in Colombia, consolidating headquarters and programs that defend children's right to a dignified life and fight against social exclusion.
The Circus of the Boys carried a message of hope and dignity to over 85 countries, transforming the lives of thousands of children and young people.
- We fight for rights.
Our Mission: Fighting for the Rights of Children and Young People
Benposta's main mission is to design and develop projects and programs that promote the recognition of children, adolescents, and young people as social subjects in a dynamic of restoring their fundamental rights. Through its actions, it seeks to restore the dignity of minors in vulnerable contexts, promoting a life free from exploitation and violence.
Our mission goes beyond projects; it is about transforming realities by addressing the needs of children and young people who suffer the consequences of social exclusion, armed conflict, and poverty. The real-life experiences of Benposta members, with faces and personal stories, have changed the destinies of many, offering new opportunities for young people to build a more just and hopeful future.
- A future where every child lives with dignity and hope.
Our Vision: A Better World for Children.
Benposta’s vision is clear: to defend and promote the right of children to a dignified life, through respect for their dignity and the recognition of their role as social agents. We firmly believe that all children and young people should have the same opportunities to dream and grow, regardless of their social or geographical context.
- Messages that Transcend
Message of Peace to the World
Somos los muchachos y muchachas de la tierra, que vamos por el mundo con las manos unidas; porque no queremos que otra guerra envenene las noches ni oscurezca los días. Y por eso Señor del Universo, te pedimos la victoria en la lucha: Victoria sobre el hambre que impide a muchos pueblos bendecir el pan de cada día, Victoria sobre el oro que construye ciudades sin alma mientras los campos estériles se erizan de cardos; Victoria sobre el vicio que mata la cultura y envilece el amor.
And justice for so many people who survive amidst exploitation. And for this reason, Lord of the Universe, we ask for peace, the peace you promised to all men and women of good will. Yes, if all the men and women of the world extended their hands to each other, no one could oppress their brother. If all looked up to the Heavens, there would be no misery, oppression, or sorrow in the world. If all prayed together to God, the world would be a star of peace, justice, and love.
Consolidation and Expansion of Benposta in Various Regions of the Country.
Benposta in Colombia has consolidated its identity through its expansion and presence in various regions since its founding in Tocancipá, Cundinamarca, in 1974. In 1980, it moved its headquarters to Bogotá, and in 1983, it established the Llanos Regional headquarters in Villavicencio to address emergencies affecting children and adolescents. In 1989, it extended its work to Montería (Córdoba) and Riohacha (Guajira), facing political-social violence. The Montería headquarters was consolidated as Benposta Regional Caribbean in the Cantaclaro sector, while the Riohacha headquarters was temporarily suspended.
In 2012, the General Assembly authorized the legal independence of the Córdoba and Meta headquarters, allowing them to consolidate as autonomous organizations. Today, in 2024, Benposta Colombia has three headquarters with their own legal identity: Benposta Nación de Muchachos Colombia (Bogotá), Benposta Regional Caribe (Montería), and Benposta Regional Llanos (Villavicencio), all guided by the same founding principles and a permanent space for dialogue and coordination.
Benposta in Colombia has stood out for its commitment to children and youth, adapting to the needs of each region and strengthening its social impact. Each headquarters operates autonomously, but shares the values and principles that have guided the organization since its inception. This working model has allowed for the generation of sustainable processes, promoted community participation, and provided concrete solutions to social issues, making Benposta a benchmark for transformation and hope in the country.
The three headquarters maintain the same founding principles and a permanent space for dialogue and coordination.
BENPOSTA COLOMBIA
Benposta is an organization dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of children, adolescents, and young people, creating protective spaces and opportunities for a dignified life, based on active participation and social commitment.
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