Cuso International

Purpose

This project aims to improve inclusive economic growth and support peacebuilding in Colombia by providing market-driven training and employment opportunities for conflict-affected people and at-risk youth in eight cities: Soacha, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Buenaventura y Quibdó. The project also increases the ability of local authorities and private sector partners to develop and implement inclusive employment policies and practices for vulnerable populations. Activities incude: (1) training of youth beneficiaries (60% women), providing them with market-driven technical skills to access decent employment; (2) creating internship opportunities for targeted youth beneficiaries; (3) developing partnerships with private sector companies interested in providing internship and employment opportunities for poor and vulnerable people; (4) training private sector partners on gender-responsive and inclusive recruitment and retention of poor and vulnerable people; and (5) signing diversity and inclusion protocols as part of the human resource management practices of private sector partners. The project is expected to reach 4,000 vulnerable youth and their families, and at least 80 per cent will receive a guaranteed job placement with private sector partners.