The “FOCO” project (Fortalecimiento a Organizaciones locales en Colombia), led by Trickle Up in Colombia, organized a forum to present the results of two studies on extreme poverty in Venezuelan migrant and host populations in Cali and Palmira, Valle del Cauca. These studies, conducted in collaboration with partners like Fundación Carvajal, Diócesis de Palmira, and Corporación Organización El Minuto de Dios, identified the social and labor barriers they face in their efforts to improve livelihoods and achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

FOCO’s main objective is to provide detailed information to partner organizations and local authorities to guide micro-focused poverty alleviation programs and projects in the operating territories. With this knowledge, the aim is to strengthen the management and self-sufficiency capacity of migrant and host communities. 

The presentation forum discussed proposals and recommendations to reduce extreme poverty, highlighting the importance of establishing communication channels between the State and the population to enhance the effectiveness of public policies. 

Local authorities from Santiago de Cali y Palmira, representatives from their government departments, and other international cooperation actors participated in this event. The “FOCO” Project seeks solutions to address extreme poverty, fostering collaboration among organizations, government entities, and the community for a more inclusive and sustainable development in Colombia.