Civil and military authorities in Medellín, Colombia, publicly highlighted the impact of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Adventist World Radio (AWR) Colombia during the city’s commemoration of Red Hands Day—an international observance that raises awareness about the recruitment and use of children and adolescents in armed groups. The event took place on February 22, 2026, bringing together community leaders and organizations committed to protecting vulnerable youth.

The event, held at Parque de las Banderas near Atanasio Girardot Stadium, brought together approximately 2,000 participants, including civil authorities, military personnel, educational institutions, social organizations, and families from the city.

In this context, staff from Adventist AWR Colombia were officially invited by the Regional Human Rights Roundtable to assist with the event’s logistics and coordination, sharing a clear message: “Children are God’s greatest treasure, and nothing should violate their rights.”

From early morning hours, the radio team set up a tent and transmission equipment, distributing water, Christian literature, including Ellen G. White’s missionary book Words of Hope, and spiritual encouragement for attending families.

During the event, authorities shared relevant statistics about the situation in the city. Under the current administration, 44 cases related to the risk of child recruitment have been addressed, including 20 in 2024 and 14 so far in 2025, through the activation of protection routes.

Likewise, the “Parceros” program, led by the Medellín Mayor’s Office, has supported more than 1,500 at-risk youth and carried out awareness initiatives with thousands of children and adolescents across the city. These efforts include psychosocial support, academic validation, and training in arts and vocational skills, they reported.

Recognition of Adventist radio impact

Major Tovar Camilo Rodríguez, representing the Colombian National Army for the Antioquia region, highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions.

“Every day should be a day of fighting against the recruitment of our children, because they are the future of our country,” he said.

The officer also emphasized the role of AWR Colombia as a channel of hope for the nation.

“Radio is the channel that carries messages to the deepest parts of Colombia, to areas that are difficult to reach and where other media do not always arrive. You are doing a tremendous job and are essential in proclaiming this important message.”

Currently, AWR Colombia operates five AM radio stations and a digital application, allowing spiritual and educational content to reach people throughout the country and around the world with internet access. Through these platforms, the ministry continues fulfilling its mission of bringing the love of Jesus to every home.

The Adventist Church’s active voice in society

Omar Piña, Youth Ministries director of the North Colombian Union Conference, offered a prayer and shared a brief spiritual reflection from the stage, encouraging the church to take an active role in supporting vulnerable children and youth.

“We cannot remain silent. We are the message for this time. God has entrusted us with the responsibility to guide, accompany, and protect our children and young people,” he said.

Piña also highlighted the ongoing work of the Adventurers, Pathfinders, Ambassadors, and Master Guide clubs—spaces where thousands of children and youth receive holistic training that strengthens Christian values, leadership, and service.

New opportunities for collaboration

As a result of this participation, new collaborative initiatives are being explored between AWR Colombia and several departments of the Medellín Mayor’s Office to promote programs and activities that benefit the community, officials said.

Programs such as Mornings of Hope could serve as informational platforms where citizens learn about support services, prevention initiatives, and community outreach efforts, helping strengthen access to timely and useful information.

Authorities are also considering including AWR Colombia among institutional media partners for future public campaigns and events, further reinforcing its role as a media outlet committed to the well-being of society.

Education yes, war no

Under the theme “Education Yes, War No: Hands Free to Dream,” the event included educational activities and a symbolic march through the sports complex, reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting children.

For the Adventist Church, participating in initiatives like this reflects its biblical and social mission, said Gabriel Moreno, Communication director of the North Colombia Union Conference. He quoted the biblical passage, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

In a context where many children face risks associated with conflict and violence, the church remains committed to being a voice of hope by promoting education, Christian values, and community service, said Omar Piña, youth ministries director of the North Colombia Union Conference.

“Protecting children is both a spiritual and social responsibility.”

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.