Children Risk Lives Daily to Cross Swollen Creek for School in Colombia

In the heart of El Castillo, Meta, Colombia, a harrowing scene unfolds daily. Children, some as young as eight, risk their lives to cross the swollen Cañón Creek to reach their school. The heavy rains have turned the usually calm creek into a raging torrent, making the journey treacherous. They use a makeshift raft, a precarious platform of wooden planks and recycled materials, to navigate the dangerous waters. "It's terrifying," says one community leader, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. "Every day, we worry that one of these children will be swept away." The video, released by Civil Defense, has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action. Citizens are demanding that the authorities build a bridge or provide a safer alternative route. One student, Maria (name changed to protect her identity), stated, "We want to go to school, but it is dangerous." This story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many children in rural areas, highlighting the need for investment in infrastructure and the importance of education, even in the face of adversity.