Colombia: New jobs, new start

John Dew, British Ambassador to Colombia, meets with the manager of the new restaurant - one of the 25 small businesses supported by AIPODE programme [SNPS]

The British Ambassador to Colombia has praised our work to reduce poverty and support displaced and vulnerable people in the country’s southern region

Ambassador John Dew visited five of 25 small businesses in Colombia supported by our local partner Pastoral Social, and said he was proud of the “tremendous impact” the work is having.

Following a welcome from Darío Molina, Bishop of Neiva, he met people forced from their homes due to intense fighting between government forces, guerilla groups and paramilitaries.

But, thanks to support from the AIPODE programme run by Pastoral Social, they are now making a living and restarting their lives. Mr Dew said: “I’m very proud to be here to see the work of CAFOD and the local Church.

“CAFOD is an important British agency, and this programme, with the support of the European Union, is having a tremendous impact on those who have suffered.

“Many have come from distant places. They came here with nothing and now they have possibilities, have a future. This work is important for the UK, for Colombia and for CAFOD.”

He also visited a supermarket, internet café and a small factory making metal furniture, and opened a beauty salon and restaurant, which will provide even more people with the chance of a new start.

With more than three million Colombians displaced and many now living in poverty in shanty-towns on the outskirts of cities, this work is vital.

The AIPODE programme is financed by the European Union, CAFOD and CORDAID, and implemented by the social department of the Bishops’ Conference in Colombia.

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