Sustainable Employment for Long-term Inclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects in Colombia. For instance, the mandatory confinement measures lasted for over 7 months, which has meant that the economy and the private sector have had a slow recovery. Hence, the economic inclusion of our teenage mothers has also been slow. 

Between July and September, the Employment and Entrepreneurhsip Office (EEO) identified 194 job vacancies that suit Juanfe's beneficiaries vocational profiles. In addition, 47 young mothers entered the formal labor market, of which 18 signed long-term contracts.

There were 24 virtual workshops focused on soft skills, entrepreneurship, biosafety for different vocational profiles, mental health, among other topics. In addition, there were 2 virtual courses, one on decoration and corporate gifts, and the other one on executive secretariat. 

As these young mothers enter the formal labor market, they:

• Contribute to the social security system
• Access quality health and other wellbeing services
• Ensure the generation of stable income
• Maintain their jobs and are recognized for their work and their human quality
• Acquire economic autonomy
• Reinvest in ther families and contribute to the generation of local GDP.

Due to the food insecurity caused by the pandemic, the Foundation implemented a strategy to deliver food aid for the beneficiaries and their families. Between July and September, Juanfe delivered approximately 300 grocery cards to the alumni. 

These women also have had permanent access to psychosocial care and sexual and reproductive health orientation.

Juanfe Foundation started the year 2020 full of energy, commitment, and determination. The COVID-19 pandemic led us to adapt our work and design a remote care strategy that has allowed us to advance the accomplishement of our goals. 

During the first quarter of the year, 70 teenage mothers entered the formal labor market, of which 50 signed long-term contracts. The Employment and Entrepreneurship Office organized 7 workshops addressing topics such as social skills, IT tools, empowerment, and customer service. There were also 2 courses, one on entrepeneurship and the other on life project. In addition, the Office established 32 new contacts with potential partners in the private sector.

As Juanfe's beneficiaries enter the formal labor market, they:

• Contribute to the social security system
• Access quality health and other wellbeing services
• Ensure the generation of stable income
• Maintain their jobs and are recognized for their work and their human quality
• Acquire economic autonomy

In sum, they have the conditions to save and invest in their families, offering better education and progress opportunities for their children. This is an important step towards breaking the poverty cycles. 

After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia, the Foundation adapted its methodologies and started delivering workshops and courses using virtual platforms. Some of them have been focused on digital marketing and tools, and others have addressed the implementation of biosecurity measures.

Aside from these education programs, up until June 15th, Juanfe Foundation has:

• Delivered 777 grocery packs for women who are part of the economic inclusion project.
• Expanded its psychosocial care strategies, set up a permanent hotline, and organized private therapy sessions according to the needs of each beneficiary.
• Provided sexual and reproductive health orientation through small "brigades."