The catalan NGO Dagua has launched a project to break the circle of exclusion and generate real alternatives for Afro-descendant communities in Buenaventura, Colombia.
For a few months now, Dagua has been collaborating with the National Learning Service (SENA) of Colombia in an initiative that combines training, entrepreneurship and human development. The purpose is clear: to offer people opportunities to build a dignified future within their own territory, without having to emigrate. 'Reinforcing roots, collective self-esteem and the continuity of community life is essential to transform local realities,' says Olga Grueso, one of the founders of the entity.
Three axes to transform community life
The Dagua and SENA project is based on three main axes of action. The first is free technical and technological training for young people and adults from the age of 14. With the support of SENA, courses are taught in various areas - beauty, health, event decoration, leadership, basic English or business skills - which improve the job prospects of the participants.
The second axis is committed to promoting local entrepreneurship . Personalized support is offered for the creation of small productive initiatives, such as the recent opening of an ice cream parlor. Participants receive training in business management and access to resources that allow them to sustain their projects.
The third pillar of the program focuses on personal development and coexistence , with workshops on human rights, gender equality and respect for diversity. An axis focused, therefore, on strengthening social cohesion and promoting a culture of peace in a territory marked by violence and social fracture.
A commitment to childhood and educational continuity
The project also includes a school reinforcement space for children between 3 and 13 years old, an area in which Dagua has extensive experience. This action seeks to reduce dropout and school failure, while offering pedagogical and emotional support to families, especially single mothers. 'When opportunities are offered within the territory, the cycle of vulnerability is broken and rooted, fair and sustainable development is promoted', explains Estefania Yus, a member of the entity.
Currently, the project benefits nearly 80 children and around 150 young people and adults from Afro-descendant communities. These are people who live in environments with serious shortages of education, jobs and basic services, and who now find in this program a way to regain hope.
The project has the support of Dipsalut, as well as the city councils of Girona, Platja d'Aro and La Bisbal d'Empordà, which strengthen the international and solidarity dimension of this initiative.
Add new comment