29-07-2024 | di COOPI

Ecuador. First meeting on entrepreneurship and microfinance experiences 2024

On May 30 2024, under the framework of the project "Integrados" - Integration of Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees in Ecuador Phase 2: Ongoing support to provide protection services, job opportunities and access to decent living conditions to Venezuelan refugees and migrants (Year 2 of 2)" initiated in September 2023 and with 1-year duration in partnership with AVSI, with fundings from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale participated in the First Meeting on Entrepreneurship and Microfinance Experiences 2024, with the objective of exchanging experiences on micro-entrepreneurship projects and family income generation. This event focused on discussing mechanisms to combat poverty in vulnerable territories through projects driven by international cooperation, civil society organizations (CSOs), community organizations, private companies, academia, and state institutions.

COOPI presented the work "Entrepreneurship in Community Development Processes", during which good practices and lessons learned in socio-economic integration strategies were shared, highlighting community development and capacity building as fundamental pillars. COOPI's livelihood strategy focuses on training in labor skills and technical abilities, enhancing skills for self-employment and economic income generation. Additionally, it incorporates a protection approach through Cash Transfer Programs to ensure active participation and sustainability of participants.

Among the lessons learned, the implementation of financial education modules with a gender focus for the prevention of patrimonial violence was mentioned. It was also emphasized that income generation capabilities align with personal profitability, allowing entrepreneurs to see their economic activity as a form of personal and professional development, connected to their life project.

Since 1967, COOPI - International Cooperation has been active in Ecuador and remains committed to community development and income generation, working side by side with different entities to create a sustainable and positive impact on vulnerable communities in Ecuador. Today, COOPI - International Cooperation carries out activities with a multi-sectoral and integrated approach in areas such as livability, child and adolescent protection and access to water, sanitation and hygiene, livelihood generation and socio-economic integration, promotion of the popular and solidarity economy, and prevention of gender-based violence in a sustainable and lasting way.