IDRC and Fundación Capital announce new project enabling vulnerable Colombian youth to build a better future

BOGOTA, Colombia, Aug. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Jean Lebel, President of Canada's International Development Research Centre, announced a new initiative to foster economic opportunities for vulnerable Colombian youth. The project will pilot new approaches to bring financial, vocational, and professional orientation to youth, with a focus on young women and men in rural areas that have suffered from the country's 50 years of internal conflict.

The 24-month project aims to develop, test, and assess an initiative that meets the specific needs of youth in conflict-affected regions, now that the Government of Colombia and the country's largest rebel group are in the final stages of negotiating a peace treaty.

With support from IDRC and the Citi Foundation, Fundación Capital will lead this initiative from their Bogotá headquarters.

"Colombia's youth have suffered tremendously from the ongoing conflict. More than half of the 8 million registered victims are younger than 28 years old," said Yves Moury, President and CEO of Fundación Capital. "This project will work with youth to contribute to their personal development via the creation of life plans, bringing them both accessible, professional training as well as relevant and useful resources to plan their personal, financial, and professional development."

The goal is for the 1,200 youth participating in the pilot to be better prepared, informed, and connected to existing resources, and better able to plan for and succeed in their professional lives and futures. Fundación Capital is also working collaboratively with government, target populations, and the private sector to ensure that successful methods are scaled up to reach as many vulnerable youth as possible.

"IDRC's support for research in Colombia has contributed to the peace process by understanding key issues such as land restitution, avenues for rural development, and access to justice for victims of violence. This new project will help ensure that young generations find a future in Colombian society and contribute to the peace process," Jean Lebel said.

The announcement was made during the visit to Colombia of a delegation of IDRC's Board of Governors, led by its Chairperson, Margaret Biggs. 

About Canada's International Development Research Centre
Part of Canada's foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods in the developing world. Bringing together the right partners around opportunities for impact, IDRC builds leaders for today and tomorrow and helps drive large-scale positive change.

IDRC in Colombia
Since 1971 IDRC has supported 271 research activities for an approximate amount of CA$44.3 dollars. IDRC is supporting research in science and technology, agriculture, health, the use of information and communication technologies, small business promotion, and victims' rights.

About Fundación Capital
Fundación Capital is an international organization working to expand inclusion, partnering and innovating to help millions of families define their own paths out of poverty. Fundación Capital collaborates with both public and private partners to develop and implement new approaches that enable low-income families to grow, value, and protect their financial, productive and human assets.

SOURCE International Development Research Centre

Lucy Gray-Donald, IDRC, [email protected] | +598. 99912957 | Sofia Redford, Fundación Capital, [email protected] | [phone]