Through a hybrid methodology that combines in-person and digital components, the Apapáchar Program supports and accompanies caregivers in raising children from gestation to five years and eleven months, fostering loving, respectful, and sensitive care, and promoting affectionate, shared, equitable, and violence-free relationships among all household members.
The Apapáchar Program runs for 12 weeks, during which information on different topics relevant to families is delivered. First, the digital component: information capsules are sent once a day through digital groups (usually WhatsApp). Finally, the in-person component: four in-person sessions reinforce the key messages sent digitally and put into practice the strategies shared in the digital groups.
Fundación Apapacho
Universidad de los Andes
New York University
Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice
Fundación Centro Internacional de Desarrollo Humano (CINDE)
With support from the Early Childhood Technical Team of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF):
Consultants:
We wanted to verify the impact of the Apapáchar Program on families’ lives with scientific rigor, so in 2025 we carried out a randomized controlled trial (RCT), one of the most reliable methods for measuring real impact.
During implementation, we compared more than 2,500 families, divided into a group that participated in the program and a group that did not, and measured changes in both groups over time. Program results were evaluated through a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools. Surveys were conducted at the start and end of implementation, along with more than 25 focus groups and interviews with caregivers, facilitators, and ICBF teams across different regions of the country. In addition, sessions were observed, WhatsApp group metrics were tracked, and in-person attendance was measured.
And all of this at a lower cost per family than similar programs (Peru, South Africa, Rwanda).
"At work they tell me they've never seen a father like me. I tell them: 'Before it was different, but thanks to a program I've been able to change.' These are programs worth it because they teach you a lot."
"The way they send the content is great, it's not repetitive, it teaches you, it gives you tips so you can learn and leave the best for your children, you know?"
"When you watch the videos, you remember. The response is no longer 'I'm going to hit them,' but 'I'm going to breathe, I'm going to calm down."
"It's a space where I've learned to manage both my own emotions and to teach my daughter to manage hers, and to spend time with her."
Why was it important to develop this project? Data or references help contextualize the problem.
Apapáchar was born, and matters, in Colombia because of a combination of legal, social, and evidence-based reasons.
A legal framework that demanded a response
More than 1.7 million children from birth to age five are victims of physical punishment or psychological aggression, particularly in vulnerable households and regions affected by armed conflict. In 2021, Colombia passed Law 2089, which explicitly prohibits any form of physical punishment or cruel, humiliating, or degrading treatment as a method of correction toward children and adolescents. This law is accompanied by the National Strategy for the Prevention of Physical Punishment, which requires the country to strengthen or create programs that promote cultural change around these practices. Apapáchar responds directly to that mandate.
The absence of men in parenting
The program also grew out of evidence that actively involving fathers and male caregivers positively transforms family dynamics: it strengthens protective factors for children, positively impacts the bond between caregivers, and can improve men’s mental health.
Evidence-based
Science shows that practical skills are needed to change attitudes and behaviors. For this reason, the program was designed with a pedagogical strategy grounded in neuroscience, focused on self-regulation, communication, conflict resolution, and loving, violence-free parenting
First, the initial idea (2024): ICBF convened a dialogue process that gave rise to Apapáchar, a program combining digital sessions (80%) and in-person sessions (20%) to support families toward more loving, violence-free parenting.
Second, the design phase (January to May 2025): during the first half of 2025, the program was designed by bringing together the best of two already-tested approaches: Programa Paternar, which worked with all family members through WhatsApp groups, and the Estrategia Apapacho, focused on child development and violence prevention.
Third, the pilot and evaluation phase (June to December 2025): between June and December 2025, Apapáchar moved from theory to practice with its first pilot implementation in several Colombian cities. During this period, hundreds of families took part in digital and in-person sessions, while a research team closely evaluated results through a rigorous study. This stage made it possible to hear directly from mothers, fathers, caregivers, and the ICBF staff who accompanied the process, gathering key lessons on what works and what can be improved.
Fourth, institutionalization (December 2025): Apapáchar was included in ICBF guidelines, specifically in the Family and Community Modality Manual and the Operational Guide for Child Development Centers.
Finally, the scaling phase (2026): thanks to the strong results of the pilot implementation, Apapáchar is taking a new step to reach more families in Colombia. In partnership with ICBF, Fundación Apapacho is supporting 200 ICBF direct-operation professionals across 17 departments to implement the program in their territories. Through digital training, close support, and follow-up, we aim to give more and more professionals the tools to help caregivers strengthen their bond with their children.
Current status of the project and future actions, if applicable.
Apapáchar is currently in its scaling phase, with the goal of making practical tools to strengthen family bonds accessible to more families in Colombia and Latin America.
To achieve this, we have developed flexible resources that we can share so you can bring Apapáchar to your community:
If you are interested in bringing the Apapáchar Program to your community, contact us at c.reyguerra@fundacionapapacho.org or through our social media @fundapapacho. We would be happy to tell you more about the program and how to implement it in your territory!
