Colombia
WHAT WE DO
Alleviating ultra-poverty in Colombia.
"End poverty in all its forms everywhere."
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty
In April 2023, the World Bank reported a decline in poverty rates in Colombia from the 2020-21 pandemic peak of 42.5% down to 39.3%. Sadly, the slight drop in poverty did not reach marginalized people, including women, afro-Colombians, and indigenous people living in rural communities who experienced a poverty rate increase from 42.9% up to 44.6%. In short, families who struggled the most during COVID-19 are hurting even more today.
For those who could find work during the turmoil of the past few years, skyrocketing inflation, especially food inflation of 27.8%, limited any real gains. Those who struggled to find work grew hungrier as food security worsened for about 2.1 million people.
Focused efforts on alleviating poverty in Colombia remain an urgent need.
Opportunity’s work in Colombia will help people escape the indignities of ultra-poverty by empowering them with financial inclusion, social empowerment, and support toward building sustainable livelihoods.
Facts about Colombia
- 50.4M total population
- 7.7M Colombians were displaced as a result of the decades-long civil war
- 19% of the population lives in rural regions, many of which have been severely affected by violence and conflict over the last few decades
- 4% of people live on less than $1.90 per day
- 55% of all adults do not have a formal bank account, and rural families are the least likely to have access to financial services
- 93% of children complete primary school
Our work in Colombia
Ultra Poverty Graduation Program
This 18-month program offers life skills training alongside weekly home visits, that result in better living conditions and a sustainable livelihood for graduates.
Microfinance
Our focus includes providing support and training to empower Colombians living in poverty to establish and grow sustainable businesses and earn incomes.
Savings Groups
Through Savings Groups, members are encouraged to save, borrow, and invest in income generating activities. This promotes financial literacy and inclusion.
Improving Education
Our EduFinance program equips educators with loans and industry-leading curriculum to improve schools and the quality of education they offer.
See how your support is making a
difference in Colombia.
Learn more about our program including strategy, objectives, and outcomes.
Fueling dreams with hope and opportunity.
Amid Colombia’s beauty and vibrant culture, lies a harsh reality – ultra-poverty. Ultra-poverty households tend to be headed by women. Often socially excluded, they lack opportunities to build better lives for themselves. Without extra support and training in life-skills, these families remain trapped in the cycle of poverty.
But that’s where Agape’s Pathway to Opportunity Graduation Program comes in. Watch the video now to learn more about this transformative program.