Program of Alliances for Reconciliation (PAR) Co-branded Report Nov 2015

The program has formed high-stakes alliances with major actors in the private and public sectors, academia, and civil society to conceptualize and implement initiatives that contribute to changing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, helping Colombians to come to terms with the past, engage in constructive dialogue, and transform old narratives. PAR consists of three main components that aim to support truth-telling and memory initiatives, promote greater awareness of reconciliation efforts, and leverage strategic public and private alliances that foster socioeconomic opportunities in target municipalities. The program has also incorporated a programmatic response to address issues related to the refugee crisis resulting from political and economic instability in neighboring Venezuela. During the reporting period, PAR's direct technical assistance and support led to several notable accomplishments. The alliance with Fundación ANDI generated sales from small businesses, enhancing the livelihoods of 145 beneficiaries. Plantain growers from Sojayá delivered a ton of plantains to a major chain in Bogotá as part of Fundación ANDI's inclusive value chain strategy. PAR and Fundación ANDI also distributed 500 Vamos Colombia guides to encourage private sector participation in volunteer activities that contribute to reconciliation and trust-building. In addition, the circulation of Semana Fort grew to 57,900 copies, distributed in 11 cities. Over 500 people attended forums in four cities to discuss solutions to the migration phenomenon. The implementation of the new cycle of La Reconciliación es Nuestro C working with young offenders to prevent recidivism began. PAR also supported the empowerment of 30 vulnerable youth through postgraduate scholarships, and 440 at-risk children and youth through sports and artistic activities in Bogotá and Ciénaga. Furthermore, Decio workshops strengthened reconciliation skills for 948 PAR participants. Women artisans earned income through sales of handmade products in Medellín, and over 1 million people were reached through PAR's campaign aimed at building trust in Colombia. In local reconciliation initiatives, 234 banana producers, 100 coffee producers, and 500 vulnerable youths benefited from job training and sustainable income generation. The program has also made significant progress in national reconciliation initiatives, with over 500 people attending forums to discuss migration-related issues. PAR has also empowered 30 vulnerable youth through postgraduate scholarships, and 440 at-risk children and youth through sports and artistic activities in Bogotá and Ciénaga. In terms of monitoring and evaluation, PAR has implemented a robust system to track progress and assess the impact of its activities. The program has also established a strong communication strategy to communicate its achievements and progress to stakeholders. The program management has been managed effectively, with a clear focus on achieving its objectives and delivering results.