colombia

Microenterprise Project Changing Lives

ABOUT COLOMBIA QUICK FACTS

The fourth largest country in South America, Colombia is home to over 45 Full name:
million people, making it one of the most populated nations on the continent. Republic of Colombia
With significant natural resources and stunning scenery, Colombia is a would-be
developed nation if not for the violence that ravages the land. Population:
45.6 million (UN, 2005)
A highly stratified society that traditionally favours the wealthy Spanish over
the majority, mixed-race population has created a climate ripe for unrest. Drug Capital:
cartels, left-wing insurgents and right-wing paramilitary groups combine to make Bogota
Colombia one of the most violent countries in the world, deterring tourists and
investors alike. Area:
1.14 million sq km (440,831 sq miles)
With a free trade agreement signed with the US, a president dedicated to
cracking down armed groups, and millions of US dollars poured into fighting the Major languages:
cocaine trade, some gains are being made. However despite strong economic Spanish
growth in recent years, millions still live in poverty.
Major religion:
Christianity

Life expectancy:
69 years (men), 75 years (women)
(UN)

Monetary unit:
1 Colombian peso = 100 centavos

Main exports:
Petroleum, coffee, coal, gold,
bananas, cut flowers, chemicals,
emeralds, cotton products, sugar,
TEAR FUND IN COLOMBIA livestock

GNI per capita:

Changing the lives of 150 disabled people is the goal for the TEAR Fund
US $2,290 (World Bank, 2006)
supported ‘Empowering the Disabled’ project in Colombia. TEAR Fund has
been partnering with Oportunidad Latinoamerica Colombia (OLC) since
2002. Working with the disabled in Bogota naturally flowed out of another
microenterprise project TEAR Fund partnered with OLC in.

‘Empowering the Disabled’ has been very successful, with OLC remaining the
best Christian microenterprise provider in Colombia. Similar to New Zealand
secondary school enterprise schemes, but providing much more hope, OLC’s
strategy is comprehensive and effective.

Groups of 15 to 30 disabled people are brought together, and over a two year
period are given the skills, training and funding to start operating their own
business. Group ownership of the business promotes the social well-being of
the disabled, who are often ostracized by their communities. Working with
others fills the gaps that disability inevitably brings and opens up the way to
a brighter future.

Through forming these co-operative groups, training them in Life Plans,

technical skills, marketing, providing business monitoring and the opportunity
to sell wares at local fairs, this project gives the disabled a much-needed income,
social support, and inspires self-respect. Lives truly are being transformed
through OLC and TEAR Fund’s work in Colombia.

Call to donate: 0800 800 777 or visit www.tearfund.org.nz

 Microenterprise Project Changing Lives

MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
TEAR Fund partners with indigenous Christian organisations to help the poor create income
generation opportunities.
Microenterprise Loans
A fair credit loan empowers the poor to create a business to help them work their way out
of poverty. It releases them from relying on unscrupulous loan sharks who charge crippling
interest rates and encourages them to be self-sufficient rather than rely on aid.
Business Training Mentoring
Loan applicants meet specific criteria and are trained to help them improve and grow their
busi¬nesses.
Thriving Businesses
With no welfare systems and few jobs available, small businesses are an essential part of
the economy. Behind each business there is an extended family, employees, suppliers and
customers who benefit.
Loans Repaid
About 98 per cent of loans are repaid and the money is recycled back into the community so
others can be given the opportunity to realise their dreams.

Overcoming Disability
Emiss Orozro has no hands and deformed legs. The attractive
25-year-old woman was born with a genetic defect. She lives
with her mother and two sisters in a barrio (slum) of Bogotá,
Colombia. Yet, far from being dependent, Emiss is a talented
and capable artist.
Ask Emiss what her ambition is, and she says without pause,
“Determinado de estar libre!” Determined to be free.
This is no idle response. Emiss faces the dual challenge of poverty
and disability. Not only are there economic barriers that she
faces, but there are also the physical barriers of steep and difficult
terrain which confines the disabled to their homes. For most, this
social isolation results in mistrust, discrimination and the denial of
their most basic human rights. They are the unseen poor.
Living with her mother and two sisters, Emiss is a talented artist
and craft-worker. Lying on her stomach in a modified wheelchair,
the self-taught artist paints striking landscapes in the local
style using her mouth to hold the brush. She also painstakingly
decorates the faces of traditional dolls and other craft items,
which her mother makes and sells in Bogotá’s local markets.
This is no easy road.Yet Emiss is determined, like so many poor, to face
the challenges of poverty and life in the slums with courage and tenacity.
CREDIT: Compassion Chuck Bigger
In solidarity with her, and other disabled in Bogotá’s slums, is
TEAR Fund’s Christian partner, Oportunidad LatinoAmerica
Colombia (OLC), providing credit for small businesses. In the case
of Emiss and her family, a small loan purchased a sewing machine
and painting supplies. By selling her craftwork, Emiss and her family
are able to earn a living and look to improve their situation not
through a handout, but instead a compassionate hand-up.
“Our motivation,” says Oportunidad leader Alvaro Velez, “Is to
have a team of staff whose faith glorifies God, demonstrates
love for our people and provides service to them of excellence.
We want to leave a lasting mark.”
Invisible Poor
The disabled poor – the invisible poor – have traditionally been
perceived as ‘bad risks’ and refused loans by banks and financial
institutions.
In reality, the disabled are highly motivated to move out of poverty
into self-sufficiency. They simply need the opportunity to shape
effective and inclusive livelihood opportunities. In Colombia, the
need for livelihood opportunities for the disabled is exacerbated,
as they have only limited access to education and skills training.

CONTACTS:
National Office: Freephone: 0800 800 777
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Facsimile: (09) 629 1050
Auckland 1150 Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz
New Zealand Website: www.tearfund.org.nz PROJECT PROFILES