Southern Bogotá & Soacha

Background

The youth who reside in Altos de Cazucá in Southern Bogotá and Altos de Florida in Soacha have been identified as among the most vulnerable populations in Colombia. A significant portion of families who live in the area have been displaced by Colombia’s lingering violence in certain areas of the countryside, and the youth generally lack economic security and educational opportunities for an improved life. It is widely recognized that they are disproportionately at risk of continued recruitment by illegally armed gangs in their new settlements. Families displaced by threats and violence face conditions of extreme violence and poverty that often prove to be just as traumatic as the situation from where they are fleeing. Few families in Soacha have access to social services, and most face great difficult with employment, housing, education, and health care.

Project

Developing Minds Foundation sponsored the construction of a vocational training center for residents of Altos de Cazucá and Altos de Florida who live in conditions of poverty and confront violence from illegal armed groups. Developing Minds Foundation, in collaboration with Ahmsa International – a locally-run organization which implements and manages the program – offered these youth desperately needed skills and guidance so they may develop personally and professionally and make positive contributions to their community. More specifically, the project offered technical training, small business development guidance and mentoring based on identified market needs within the communities (e.g. electronics, computer maintenance, screen printing, auto repair).