Fit für den Job: Berufsbildung für intern vertriebene Jugendliche

Project background

Bosa Occidental is one of the poorest districts of Bogotá, Colombia. Over 90% of the population lives in poverty. Many suffer from the memory of traumatic experiences of war. Social cohesion is weak. Young people are particularly badly affected as they have very few opportunities for education and work. They are vulnerable targets for armed gangs who promise them much.

Our experiences show that young people with vocational training and competent support throughout are able to find stable work. In the last three years we have been able to help over 200 young people in Bosa to find a job which earns them a stable living. We would like to build on this success.

Project goals

220 vulnerable and internally displaced young people from Bosa Occidental earn a living through gainful employment.

• 220 young people have a professional qualification and earn a living in a stable job.

• 220 young people address their violent experiences and learn how to deal with their emotional problems.

• 220 young people are socially engaged and make a peaceful and violence-free contribution within their family and neighbourhood.

Results from an Impact Study

An impact study of the previous projects carried out by the Universität St. Gallen (HSG) concluded that the effects were substantial and that donated funds had been used efficiently. When compared to income before the project, women’s earnings was almost double that of those in a control group. The probability of being employed rose by 48%. The women involved in the project were more satisfied on average with their work, their salary and other benefits, whilst the control group saw a slight change for the worse.