Lumos

03/06/2026

Lucia* currently lives in an institution in Colombia, and she dreams of having a family of her own.

Her own life experience has driven her to be a passionate member of the Lumos Colombia Youth Participation Group, where she can meet with other young people and apply and develop her skills in advocating for children just like her.

We are fortunate to work with young people like Lucia, enabling them to be changemakers in their own lives.

How we work with young people ➡️ https://ow.ly/rKLO50Z0Zxg

*Name changed.

01/06/2026

This International Children’s Day, we’re reminded that every child deserves more than just care - they deserve to belong.

Every child belongs in a family. A place where they can grow up safe, loved, and supported.

We’re transforming care and protection systems across the world to help more children experience the love of a family so they can thrive.

Hear from those we work with in Kenya as we mark this special day:

27/05/2026

“Tatiana is a brilliant example of how someone with the right support can really flourish and thrive… She knows the changes she has experienced, and she knows how far she has come.”

See Tatiana’s inspiring story of growth, and how she has used her personal development to help other children through the Lumos Colombia Youth Advisory Board.

Full story: https://www.wearelumos.org/lumos-colombia-tatiana-finds-her-voice/

25/05/2026

Emoji’s were in full use in front of presidential candidates this past month! 🤪

Young members of the Lumos Colombia Youth Advisory Board met six candidates at a public event, where, in front of 400 attendees, they expressed their opinions, concerns, and needs to help transform the care system in the next government. 🤩

In the audience they were able to share, in real time, their responses to candidate discussions by holding up reaction emojis to make their feelings known. 🙂‍↕️

Lumos attended the event as a member of Niñez YA - Sociedad civil por la niñez y la adolescencia coalition, the event organiser, made up of NGOs and networks that work together to ensure children’s rights are prioritised in public policy and government decisions.

“Growing up in a family isn't a privilege, it’s a right. The challenge now is to ensure that what has been heard does not remain on the stage, but is turned into real action,” commented Rosario Del Rio, Country Director for Lumos Colombia.

How we work with young people ➡️ https://ow.ly/92jz50Z1wF5

23/05/2026

"Family is very important to me, because it makes you feel supported and gives you trust. All of it, really — it's beautiful to feel the love, the companionship.

A hug means so much — it makes you feel supported, like they're there for you and they truly care about you. When you really need it, family means everything." - Ethan, Lumos Colombia Youth Advisory Board member.

Our work with young people ➡️ https://ow.ly/Mp7550YYUwF

21/05/2026

Clara* is just one of the children Lumos Colombia is working with as a part of our initiative to involve young people in our work. Watch her message on what family means in her life.

How we involve young people ➡️ https://www.wearelumos.org/what-we-do/involving-young-people/

*Name changed.

20/05/2026

Lumos Kenya joined a special event for International Day of Families, where Kenya's Principal Secretary for Children's Services paid tribute to the work being done to transform the care system for children across Kenya.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/mfQF50Z2im1

20/05/2026

Have you ever considered volunteering at an orphanage? This podcast will make you think twice. ❌

On the ‘We Are Old, Get Over It!’ podcast, Lumos Senior Advocacy and Campaigns Officer, Aisling Ledwith, highlights how even the best intentions can lead to worse outcomes for children. Listen below ⬇️

We Are Old, Get Over It! · Episode

18/05/2026

Every family is different, but there is a thread that unites them. From these reflections by Lumos colleagues, can you see what that might be?

How we support families ➡️ https://ow.ly/7Ky250Z0XbX

17/05/2026

If you were asked “What does family mean to you?”, what would you say?

Whether you’ve experienced the care of parents, relatives, a foster family, adoption, or have formed a family of your own, we can all recognise that nothing can replace the love of a family.

Winfred, works to change the lives of children on the ground every day as a Lumos Kenya Care Reform Regional Coordinator. So, to her, this question is personal, and her answer is from the heart.

About Lumos ➡️ https://ow.ly/h0Yy50YYXGk