Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian Kids

Another Afrocolombian group trying to increase the self-esteem of the Afrocolombian people in the Pacific region of Colombia is the group Chocquibtown . They sing about the pride of being from the Pacific and the wonderful things of the region. You can see their video here:

Oops! I missed it. A big sorry to all parents of children or adoptees of Afrocolombian origin. Back on August 27, the law called Ley 70 celebrated its anniversary. Law #70 guarantees protection for the ancestral territories of the Afro-descendants. It also requires that the government invest in the economic development of these areas, as well as protect their cultural identity and civil rights. This year, two girls, both born the year that the law was passed, have become the official "unofficial" voice of the Afrocolombian movement. Their names are Eidy Dayanna Estacio and Kelly Angulo, and they are the lead vocalists for the group Son Cimarrón . The group itself consists of 20 Afrocolombian youth. On October 10, 2010, the group launched its album "El Encanto de la Ley 70" (The Enchantment of the Law #70). Here is an interview and examples of the music that the group sings:

In September, the Colombian musical group Atercipelados announced the release of a cartoon using their song Bandera. Bandera is a song with quite a politcal statement. Here are the lyrics: Quién dice cuál es la bandera -- Who says which is the flag que sobre un pedazo de tierra ondará? -- that flies over a certain piece of earth Quién decide quién tiene el poder -- Who decides who has the right de limitar mi caminar? Dime quién-- to limit my walk, tell me who Que quién es usted? que dónde nací? -- Who are you and where were you born Entonces no puede venir por aquí! -- well then you can't come over here Que de qué color es y qué donde nací? -- what color are you and where was I born Entonces no puede venir por aquí! -- well then you can't come here Quién dijo que un trozo de tela -- Who told you that a piece of cloth cierran las puertas y las fronteras? -- closes the doors and the boarders Quién me limita este mi planeta? -- Who limits me on this my planet Si soy tercermundista...

Shakira also launched a new album last week. This time the album returns to her roots and from the samples I've heard sounds a lot more like Pies Descalzos than any of her more recent music. There are plenty of ballads, as well as a few rock offerings. She also seems to have spent some time with Dominicans as a couple of songs have definitely a more merengue feel. The album also includes the World Cup Waka Waka song in both Spanish and English versions. Hear the title song and see the lyrics here: You can hear clip from all the songs, purchase the CD, or buy the download here: http://www.amazon.com/Sale-El-Sol-Shakira/dp/B0041OOJNU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music& ie = UTF 8& qid =1287801359& sr =1-1

The world famous Colombian rock star -- Juanes -- just released a video for his new song "Y no regresas" (And you don't come back). The song can be found on his latest album, Yerbatero (available for download. The lyrics are below. Then watch the video. Es tan difícil tenerte entre la vida y la muerte Me duele que estés tan distante Llevando desesperanza a todas partes Te herí yo lo sé, perdona, te herí, yo lo sé Mis ojos se ven cansados de llorar La rabia de este amor... Y no regresas, y no regresas No soy el mismo, sin tu amor Me duele que estés en silencio Hablemos sin hacernos preguntas Hallemos el miedo Te herí yo lo sé, perdona, te herí, yo lo sé Mis ojos se ven cansados de llorar La rabia de este amor... Y no regresas, y no regresas No soy el mismo, sin tu amor Y no regresas, y no regresas No soy el mismo, sin tu amor.

Yesterday, I wrote about the age range changes for adoptive parents. Today I wanted to discuss what the new "lineamiento" or guidelines say about special needs adoptions. First, ANYONE (including single parents) OF ANY AGE over 25 can be considered for the adoption of a child with Special Needs -- no matter the age of the child in question. Second, people wishing to adopt children with special needs RECEIVE ALL PRIORITY. Meaning that their paperwork will be processed before any other people. Third, Adoptive Parents requesting a child with Special Needs are considered 1st Priority and therefore are NOT placed on a wait list at all upon approval. Fourth, ICBF states that once the dossier is approved by them, the referral process will take no more than 3 months. Finally, Special Needs children are defined as the following: a. Sibling groups of 3 or more. b. Sibling groups of 2, when one is older than 8 years of age. c. A single, healthy child, if older than 8 years of age. d....

ICBF recently announced a major change in the adoptions process. This will significantly impact adoptive families of Colombian origin. In turn, this will also have an impact on foreign families who are on the waiting list to adopt. Let me explain. Previously all adoptive parents -- Colombian or Foreign --wishing to adopt a child younger than 36 months (0-3 years) needed to be 38 years of age or younger. Now, while foreign adoptive parents must still be younger than 38 years of age, Colombian adoptive parents may be up to 40 years of age to qualify to adopt from this youngest age category. Additional changes include: Colombian families 41-45 years of age may adopt a child 3-4 years of age, while foreign families must be 39-41 years of age. Colombian families wishing to adopt a 5-6 year old will be between 46-50 years of age, and foreign families for this same category must be between 42-45 years of age. Finally, Colombians up to 54 years of age may adopt a child as young as 7 years of ...