Overview of ACDI/VOCA

Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance

Source: http://acdivoca.org/

Who are they? A nonprofit that means business

ACDI/VOCA envisions a world in which everyone is empowered to build healthy families, resilient communities, and flourishing societies. Since 1963, we have partnered with public and private actors to find sustainable solutions that enable people to productively engage in local and global markets.

From the beginning, we have been guided by cooperative principles that prioritize voluntary engagement, economic participation, and shared responsibility and learning. We apply sound business practices in our approach and create synergies by partnering with the commercial sector. Our local, tailored solutions facilitate connections that expand access to opportunities and strengthen markets. We maximize the effective use of resources to achieve lasting results.

With a range of multidisciplinary tools and expert staff, we leverage our innovation and learning from more than 50 years’ experience. Working people-to-people, our network of technical volunteers share their expertise and skills. We deliver strategies that equip and empower individuals and communities.

VisionA world in which people are empowered to succeed in the global economy.

MissionTo promote economic opportunities for cooperatives, enterprises, and communities through the innovative application of sound business practice.

ACDI/VOCA ValuesACDI/VOCA strives to promote positive economic and social change worldwide. It is distinguished by commitment to its overseas beneficiaries, wise stewardship of development resources, and a knowledgeable, experienced, diverse, and effective team.Source: http://acdivoca.org/who-we-are/vision-mission-values

Where do they work? All over the World!Source: http://acdivoca.org/sites/default/files/attach/brochures-factsheets/ACDI-VOCA-WhereWeWork-Dec-2015-low-res.pdf

Including COLOMBIA:

“

”

Afro-descendants in the region systematically inhabit the poorest areas with the most precarious infrastructure and are more exposed to crime and violence. Furthermore Afro-descendants encounter serious obstacles regarding access to health and education services, as well as in obtaining housing and employment.

—InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights

Source: http://acdivoca.org/our-approach-focus

COLOMBIA – Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Program

Improving the Social Status, Increasing Incomes of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous PeoplesEthnic minority populations are among the most marginalized groups in Colombia and suffer from challenges including exclusion, inequality, poverty, discrimination, and displacement, among others. To address these issues, USAID created the five-year Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Program (ACIP). Implemented by ACDI/VOCA, it is the first stand-alone program designed with the sole purpose of improving the lives of Afro-Colombian and indigenous persons. ACIP’s strategic approach is centered on building the human and institutional capacity of ethnic minorities and their communities, state institutions, and private sector organizations.

OBJECTIVES

• Strengthen the capacity of key state institutions to develop and implement pro-minority public policies, use their resources effectively, and improve their minority information systems• Enhance the advocacy and governance capacities of ethnic

organizations• Increase minority populations' access to economic

opportunities• Increase the quantity and quality of positive messaging

regarding ethnic minority issues

Activities and Approaches

• Partner with various Government of Colombia institutions, including INCODER, the Colombian Institute of Rural Development, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Social Prosperity, and other national, municipal and local governments to build their capacity and promote economic security and land titling for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities

• Link with key cultural institutions and local organizations to develop and disseminate improved positive messages related to ethnic diversity, including with the support of news media outlets

• Partner with over 100 private sector companies to enhance the skills of Afro-Colombian and indigenous youth and increase their employability

• Implement a grant fund to support activities in three geographic regions: Pacific, Caribbean, and Central

Anticipated/Achieved Project Results

• Built the capacity of over 1,200 state officials in 53 government entities, improving their capacity to service ethnic minority communities

• Facilitated and supported 30 municipality and departmental development plans with investments devoted to ethnic minority populations

• Trained 16,056 community leaders in topics such as finance and administration, ethnic rights, and free, prior, and informed consultation

• Improved the capacity of 155 ethnic organizations to dialogue with the state and to exercise autonomy, self-governance, and territorial management

• Facilitated the collective titling of 3,494 hectares benefiting 3,425 Afro-Colombian families• Provided technical and legal assistance to communities in completing and submitting eight additional

land formalization cases to INCODER benefiting nearly 3,000 new indigenous and Afro-Colombian families of the Sierra Nevada, Guajira, and Cartagena

• Implemented workforce development training for 6,558 Afro-Colombian and indigenous youth who will receive guaranteed job placement for successful completion

• Benefited 9,278 rural households with productive and economic security projects• Supported 83 positive messaging initiatives, increasing awareness and understanding of diversity, ethnic

rights, and cultural heritage through nearly 2,000 media publications