Learn Italian: Qui ci sono undici o dodici bambini. - There are eleven or twelve children here.

In Italian, the numbers 11 through 16 are formed by putting the base number first, followed by -dici (which comes from ten). So un- (one) plus -dici makes undici (eleven), and do- (two) plus -dici makes dodici (twelve).

Why do we use ci sono instead of just sono?

Ci sono is a set phrase that means there are. If you just said sono, it would mean they are. The word ci works with the verb to be to state that something exists or is present, just like saying there are in English!

Could I put qui at the end of the sentence?

Yes! You can say Ci sono undici o dodici bambini qui. Putting qui at the beginning just adds a little extra emphasis to the fact that the children are right here.

Does bambini mean boys or children in general?

It can mean both! Bambini is the plural of bambino (boy or child). In Italian, if a group has a mix of boys and girls, or if you are talking about children in general, you always use the masculine plural form bambini.