Carlos, nine, is from Colombia in South America. In Colombia there's a lot of violence and different groups fight each other to get power and take over people's land and money.

Carlos used to live on a farm with his family, but when an armed gang threatened his dad they had to leave in a hurry.

Carlos loved his old house and didn't want to leave it. ‘I was sad because in my old house we had apples and bananas.’

Now they live in a shanty town calle Altos de Cazuca on the edge of the capital city, Bogota. Shanty towns are very poor areas. People living in Altos de Cazuca have had to build their houses themselves, so many aren't finished.

Many people feel unsafe in Altos de Cazuca. 'They kill people around here,' says Carlos. 'You hear shots, lots of people have died. We can always hear it. I’m scared they’ll take my dad away.’

Carlos goes to a youth club called Mencoldes, supported by Christian Aid, where children can paint, make masks, act and sing. Carlos loves the youth club, where he feels safe and has some good friends.

'They are teaching us everything here - about our rights,' Carlos says

Sometimes Mencoldes put on trips, which give the children a chance to leave the shanty town.

Carlos’s mum thinks the youth club is great. ‘When the children come back from a day out in the country they are so happy,’ she says.  'They see sheep, they learn things about nature and most of all they have been able to forget about violence for a time. I can have a day off too, so it’s good for everyone!’