The FOCO Project, a cornerstone initiative by Trickle Up and supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, is making significant strides in Colombia by empowering local organizations to tackle poverty and support migrant communities (Fundacion Carvajal, El Minuto De Dios Foundation, Diócesis de Palmira). Through the strategic transfer of the Graduation Approach, the project has strengthened livelihoods programs for populations living in extreme poverty, including Venezuelan migrants and their host communities.
Building Capacity Through Collaboration
At the heart of FOCO lies its commitment to capacity building. The project achieved a 95.8% satisfaction rate for its training sessions, which participants described as high-quality and methodologically sound. By fostering “dialogue of knowledge,” Trickle Up co-created tools tailored to the unique needs of local organizations and the households they serve.
One participant noted:
“The co-construction process allowed us to create tools that align with the characteristics of the households and the needs of the organizations, significantly enhancing their work in the field.”
A Model for Relevance and Impact
The FOCO Project is a testament to the relevance and impact of the Graduation Approach. All participating organizations agreed that integrating this methodology into their livelihoods programs was not only pertinent but also transformative. By aligning with their core missions, these organizations strengthened their ability to support vulnerable communities effectively.
Through innovative tools like micro-focused studies, FOCO uncovered critical issues such as food insecurity and the unique challenges faced by women, enabling organizations to address these barriers strategically.
Sustainable and Replicable Solutions
The sustainability of FOCO’s outcomes stands out. Local organizations have embraced and embedded the tools, methodologies, and knowledge into their ongoing work, ensuring lasting benefits. This empowerment extends beyond the immediate project, as organizations now have a solid foundation to develop new initiatives and scale their impact.
Encouragingly, 100% of participants believe FOCO’s model is replicable for other organizations. The adaptable, coherent methodologies demonstrated a clear capacity to enhance practices and institutional objectives.
Sustainable and Replicable Solutions
The FOCO Project exemplifies how partnerships rooted in shared goals can transform communities. By providing local organizations with innovative tools and fostering a collaborative spirit, Trickle Up has not only strengthened programs but also positioned these organizations as agents of change.
As one stakeholder reflected:
“This comprehensive approach empowers vulnerable communities, reduces poverty, and amplifies the intervention capacity of organizations working with migrant and host populations.”
FOCO is not just a project; it’s a roadmap for creating sustainable, scalable solutions to poverty. Join us in supporting initiatives like this and transforming lives in the most vulnerable communities.
