Project Description
Access to quality higher education is still just a dream for many young Colombians, particularly those living in rural areas. At the IAF, we support community-led approaches to providing educational opportunities for youth, making them less vulnerable to recruitment into criminal activity and enhancing peace and security. Our grantee partner, Cooperativa del Sur del Cauca, is developing a training program on rural community tourism and sustainable agriculture for young Colombians to develop their ability to serve as community leaders and generate economic opportunities in their territories. Project activities will contribute to the consolidation of a vocational training school, Corpocaminos, as an academic institution offering a technical diploma equivalent to an associate degree.
This grant is part of our broader initiative that supports grassroots organizations to build a just and lasting peace in Colombia.
| Project: | Location: | Years active: | IAF grant funding: | Counterpart commitment: | Direct beneficiaries: | Indirect beneficiaries: | Program areas: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linking rural youth to pertinent and quality higher education in the Macizo Colombiano, Colombia | Colombia | 2020 – 2023 | $316,700 | $1,028,870 | 500 individuals | 1,300 individuals | leadership organizational development |
Talk about community-led development!
Recent News and Stories
The IAF and Fine Chocolate Industry Association: Partnering to Help Cocoa Producers Improve Their Lives
Latin American cocoa farmers are reeling from the combined impact of COVID-19 and recent hurricanes. We are teaming up with the Fine Chocolate Industry Association to help them restart their livelihoods and build strong networks.
Staying Connected During Quarantine
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pre-existing inequalities experienced by vulnerable groups. Our grantee partners have found that increasing access to technology helps address these issues, connecting people to jobs, education, and social support.
Partnering to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis
In the wake of COVID-19, we have broadened our alliances with current partners to help at-risk communities adapt and recover. We have also identified promising new private sector partners and funding opportunities to scale our efforts even further.