Despite a top-performing economy, Colombia’s ethnic minorities and victims of conflict have lower-than-average incomes and less access to public services. The unemployment rates for vulnerable populations are higher than the national average of 9.8 percent, and reach close to 20 percent for conflict victims. With the second largest population in South America, these rates account for millions of people facing economic uncertainty.
Market Solution
Since 2015, Tanager (operating earlier as ASI) has worked with Diageo’s Learning for Life program to provide opportunities to some of Colombia’s most vulnerable social groups – victims of the armed conflict and ethnic minorities. The program, now in its third phase, brings a workforce development and job placement model to Colombia’s urban centers to create opportunities for participants to obtain satisfying, long-term jobs. After six months of workforce development training, program participants gain professional experience in companies through hands-on internships in sales, marketing, hospitality, and office administration. For most of the young participants, the internship is their first experience working in the formal job market.
Market Impact
- Equip 750 marginalized youth with the applicable technical and soft skills required to work in prioritized sectors in Colombia
- Foster a sense of inclusion between vulnerable populations
