One hundred young men and women, victims of violence perpetrated by
illegal armed groups and at high risk for recruitment into these
groups, are receiving support from IOM to learn new skills, create
micro enterprises and move away from violence.

Some of the business opportunities offered to the participants
include computer maintenance, Internet cafes, gymnasiums, domestic
appliance stores, and food sales.

The young men and women live in Arauca, a region located in
eastern Colombia that has suffered the effects of violence by
illegal armed groups including forced displacement, confinement,
anti-personnel mines, reduction in agricultural activity, and
attacks on oil industry infrastructure.

This initiative, aimed at developing the skills and interests of
at-risk youth while promoting their human rights, and preventing
their involvement in violence, is part of an IOM project that
receives support from the Italian Cooperation Programme and the
International Committee for Community Development.

The project also provides support for family members including
psychosocial assistance, microenterprise development training, and
for minors the possibility to return to school or take up technical
training. 

With support from Colombia's Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF)
and continued guidance from a team of psychologists,
anthropologists, social workers and business administrators, as
well as their families and the community, the participants say they
have learnt to once again believe in the future.

One of the young beneficiaries said, "This is a great
opportunity to offer young people in my neighbourhood the
possibility of using the Internet to do their homework and
research, and to communicate with friends.  For those of us
managing Internet cafes, we have the responsibility to grow the
business so that we can have enough income to attend a technical
course at the National Learning Institute."

According to José Ángel Oropeza, IOM Chief of
Mission in Colombia, "It is very important to offer these
youngsters from conflict areas a different way so they can move on
in life and completely away from the conflict."

This Project is part of an IOM initiative, underway since 2001
that provides assistance to demobilized minors and those at risk of
recruitment.

For more information, please contact:

Jorge Gallo

IOM Bogota

Tel: +57 1 622-7774

Email: "mailto:jgallo@iom.int">jgallo@iom.int