PGO - Weaving Lives and Hope Activity (WLH)

OVERVIEW

The Weaving Lives and Hope Activity (WLH) works with conflict survivors, conflict-affected communities, and the Colombian Government to promote inclusive development and peaceful coexistence. WLH uses community-based interventions and promotes multi sectorial partnerships to: improve community access to mental health, psychosocial and rehabilitation services; help communities overcome psychosocial trauma; and enable conflict survivors to lead productive lives.  WLH also strengthens civil society organizations’ (CSOs) abilities to lead, generate income, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively.  WLH engages marginalized populations like youth, women, conflict survivors, people with disabilities, rural agricultural communities, communities affected by violence, and Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. WLH is implemented in the regions of Bajo Cauca, Montes de María, Pacifico Medio, Alto Patia and Northern Cauca, and it runs from April 2021 to March 2026.

GOALS

IMPROVE PSYCHOSOCIAL AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION SERVICES

WLH improves access to, and provision of, mental health, psychosocial and rehabilitation services by improving policies, quality and reach. The activity also strengthens CSOs’ capacities to integrate psychosocial approaches; promotes peaceful coexistence; and supports community-based initiatives through grants.

PROMOTE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

WLH promotes trust building and reconciliation by helping community members, especially youth leaders, develop the interpersonal and communications skills needed to develop and maintain healthy relationships.  

ENABLE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

WLH increases income generation, improves livelihoods and promotes local sustainable development. It does this by supporting rural entrepreneurship and innovation to improve the economic empowerment of rural communities.

ENCOURAGE A CULTURE OF PEACE

WLH strengthens communities’ capacity for effective and nonviolent communication for coexistence, reconciliation, and productivity. The activity uses art, music, sports, storytelling, social media, and social mobilization to strengthen conflict survivors’ resilience, participation, and national visibility.

ANTICIPATED RESULTS 

• Help 16 municipalities implement the Mental Health and Physical Rehabilitation Public Policy.
• Assist 41 local hospitals to implement the Psychosocial Spaces and Physical Rehabilitation Model
• Train 250 leaders in emotional care, safety, and self-protection tools.
• Strengthen over 750 professionals’ capacity to provide mental health and physical rehabilitation services.
• Enable over 8,000 conflict survivors to access physical rehabilitation services and over 7,000 conflict survivors to receive psychosocial care services.
• Encourage 45 communities to implement community resilience and reconciliation practices.
• Assist 1,260 families to access economic empowerment opportunities.
• Help 21 civil society organizations to improve their Organizational Performance Index.
• Strengthen six productive projects through technology and innovation processes.
• Engage over 7,450 conflict survivors in cultural, reconciliation, and communication for peace activities.