Signs of Hope:
As a result of more than 50 years of internal armed conflict, Colombia has one of the highest number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the world. One such badly affected area is the Cesar region, where thousands of people have sought refuge in the capital city of Valledupar, and where poor communities and displaced people have come to live together in very precarious living conditions. This population, which predominantly comprises women, the elderly and children, suffers from high unemployment and difficulties in gaining access to housing, land and education, and is continually affected by problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence and sexual abuse.
However, there are now signs of hope in Valledupar, as an innovative project, the Mingueo Project, is aiming to help deprived communities to build a more stable and viable community for themselves through behavioural change and the sustainable use of their own local resources. The project seeks to provide social cohesion, economic stability and sustainability for deprived communities in Valledupar. The project plans to work with groups of displaced people living in the outskirts of the city, existing impoverished communities within the city and poor farming communities. These communities are already actively engaged in exploring ways to work together through their leaders and own associations (Agricultural, Craft groups, small home enterprises, and folk and cultural activities).
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Valledupar Location
