Colombia  - The Leather Productive Development Center (CDP) has received the “Emprender Paz” (Engaging in Peace) award for its Workshop-School developed in cooperation with USAID and IOM. The award recognizes outstanding social corporate responsibility initiatives in Colombia.
 
The Leather Productive Development Center´s Workshop-School provides training in footwear manufacturing and has facilitated the employment of people affected by forced displacement, youth disengaged from illegal armed groups and their families, and communities that, due to lack of resources, cannot get training or decent employment.

In 2006, and with support from USAID and IOM, the Workshop-School was able to consolidate its first project in Cali. This was later replicated in the country´s capital with support of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogota, and in Pereira, in coordination with the city´s Mayor´s Office. A total of 450 people received training through the three projects and 357 of them now have jobs.

The “Emprender Paz” award was created in 2008 to recognize initiatives with private sector engagement that contribute to overcoming conflict and create opportunities for populations affected by violence. It is supported by, among others, the German Cooperation Agency – GTZ, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Social Foundation, Aviatur, El Tiempo, Colprensa and UNDP.

For more information, please contact
Jorge Gallo
IOM Bogota
Email: jgallo@iom.int