Program of Alliances for Reconciliation (PAR) FY 2020 Quarterly Report: January - March 2020

AID-514-A-16-00009. The program aims to promote awareness and mobilization initiatives that boost economic and social opportunities through transformative alliances. PAR has formed high-impact alliances with major actors in the private and public sectors, media, 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 forged by conflict. The program consists of three main components: supporting truth-telling and memory initiatives, promoting greater awareness of reconciliation efforts, and leveraging strategic public and private alliances that foster socioeconomic opportunities in target municipalities. On May 28, 2019, PAR signed a modification agreement with USAID to incorporate a programmatic response focused on addressing issues relating to the migration crisis resulting from political and economic instability in neighboring Venezuela. This modification award of $4.9 million brings the program's total from $55 million to $59.9 million. During the reporting period from January through March 2020, PAR's direct technical assistance and support resulted in several notable developments and accomplishments. Inclusive purchasing agreements through PAR's alliance with Fundación ANDI generated $5,400, with all product packaging including stories from the entrepreneurs to build awareness. Semana Rural published 119,500 copies of the free monthly paper, distributed in 11 municipalities. PAR-Fundación ANDI social seal was awarded to nine companies to recognize their contributions to reconciliation via inclusive employment strategies for vulnerable populations. Semana's Migración Venezuela platform distributed 74,000 copies of 10 new issues of the newsletter in five major cities and three border municipalities. In national reconciliation initiatives, 200 vulnerable youth in Bogotá and Medellín began strengthening their socioeconomic inclusion through a new job training initiative in software and technology. 70 journalists were empowered with tools and best practices to avoid stigmatization in their coverage of the migration situation. Over 200 children learned skills for respect for difference through school visits that used diverse superheroes to promote inclusion. In local reconciliation initiatives, 10 radio episodes were produced by Cali residents in co-creation workshops, promoting historical memory and strengthening narratives of inclusion. 1,100 LGBTI victims of violence were honored through the Celeste online platform launched this quarter, building awareness and fostering empathy and reconciliation. 32,480 trees were planted in San Vincente del Caguán to support reforestation and sustainable agriculture for dairy farming families. Over 350 new contacts were established for ecotourism associations in Arauca and Ciénaga through PAR's initiatives. PAR works alongside the Government of Colombia, local governments, public-private alliances, and international cooperation organizations to address topics such as social and economic integration, and promote objective information and positive messages that mitigate outbreaks of xenophobia. The program plays a key role in facilitating solutions to the migration phenomenon and promoting reconciliation efforts in Colombia.