Binational Cocoa School: A platform for transforming migration and development in Arauca

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Colombian and Venezuelan cocoa producers and institutional partners gathered in Arauquita to meet the Binational School of Specialty Cocoa (CACOA), a collaboration and learning platform that will support border migration through the cocoa value chain.

Arauquita, july 19, 2024 - The Binational Cocoa School - CACOA was launched at the Arauquita Cocoa and Chocolate Salon, and it serves as a platform for collaboration and learning, with Colombian and Venezuelan cocoa growers strengthening the cocoa chain to positively impact the region's migration phenomenon.

This strategy, developed by PASO Colombia and BID Lab as part of the project "Addressing Migration and Value Chains in Arauca," incorporates the needs and recommendations presented by local producers at previous meetings. As well as PASO's innovative perspective on migration as an opportunity and the border as a potential space for binational economic prosperity.
 

“Thank you for providing an opportunity for cocoa farmers in the sister republic of Venezuela. I congratulate my fellow cocoa growers not only on their production capacity, but also because we are making significant progress. The horizon is one: to be seen as cocoa entrepreneurs in both Colombia and Venezuela," stated Pablo Rico, a School participant and event attendee.

The Binational School offers four training programs with specialized mentors in each area, as well as ongoing technical assistance and a working capital fund. Its activities will take place on both sides of the border, and its key components aim to improve and increase cocoa production, specialize the agricultural labor force, and create more jobs for the migrant population.

This project aims not only to address the region's economic needs, but also to promote the social inclusion and migrant integration in Arauca, creating a sustainable development model that capitalizes on the region's productive capabilities and market potential. Participants from the School, as well as representatives from La Salle University and the local partner DICEP, attended the event to discuss the collaborative efforts and opportunities generated by the economic development approach to transform border migration.

“We are capable of surpassing and triumphing over the realities that confront us. Here is where our strength lies. This is why it gives me great pleasure to meet you, listen to you, and understand the logic with which you work. However, in a good sense, I also challenge you to dream big. Someone has already stated, "There are young people," and we need to grab their attention and say, "This is possible." Sometimes it only takes a few testimonies to remind us that this is possible. As a result, I express my gratitude and admiration, because you take a step that many others do not," said Niky Murcia, rector of La Salle University, in his speech.

Published

July 23, 2024

Topic

Livelihoods and Peace

Program

Content Type

News

Cocoa and Chocolate on the Colombian-Venezuelan Border
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March 07, 2024
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