VIDEOS
“Caminantes”–walkers
In recent years, millions of Venezuelans have fled turmoil in their country. Since summer 2018, Americares has been providing support to those who have settled in Colombia.
The power in his hands
His name is Jason Cordero, he´s 14 years old. He´s being playing the piano in Manhattan´s metro stations since he was seven. His dream is to attend Juilliard once he graduates from high school and to perform at Carnegie Hall.
One day I approached his dad, set up an interview and from this beautiful experience I produced this, hope it touches your heart as it touched mine.
Meet Jason Cordero, a 14-year-old piano prodigy who has been captivating audiences in Manhattan’s subway stations with his musical talents since the age of seven. With a dream as grand as the melodies he plays, Jason aspires to enroll at Juilliard after high school and one day take center stage at the illustrious Carnegie Hall.
His passion for music, nurtured amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, is a testament to the extraordinary talent waiting to flourish on New York's vibrant cultural stage.
Big projects made reality-Discovery Channel
Grandes proyectos hechos realidad.
The Kamëntsas and Ingas peoples deeply revere Mother Earth as the source of life and sustenance. Their strong connection to the land enables them to preserve their cultural heritage and achieve sustainability. Through collective work, they support one other, ensuring the continuation of their traditions. Land ownership is fundamental to their agricultural practices, which are essential for their survival.
Through the IRACA® program, these communities receive support for food security initiatives and the promotion of productive practices. This program empowers Indigenous and Afro-Colombian households, fostering self-sufficiency and strengthening ethnic groups in their own development.
The Colombian Government has played a key role in implementing projects across various sectors, including social health, education, housing, sanitation, food security, income generation, environmental sustainability, industrial safety, and institutional support for associations. These initiatives complement and enhance the efforts led by Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities.
The success of these interventions is rooted in rigorous implementation, sustainable support, and respectful collaboration with diverse sectors, reinforced by strategic alliances. For over a decade, organizations like Social Prosperity and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) have achieved significant and lasting positive outcomes through their partnerships with these communities.
Job satisfaction in the field–Discovery Channel
La satisfacción del trabajo en el campo.
In 2007, the residents of Cocorná were forcibly displaced due to armed conflict. In response, FEST (Families on Their Land) emerged as a government initiative to holistically support those who, as victims of displacement, chose to return voluntarily and rebuild their lives.
A decade later, the Antioqueños returned with renewed determination, launching projects and associations that transitioned from artisanal to agro-industrial ventures. For years, violence left Cocorná uninhabited, but today, its residents have returned with a strong desire to reclaim their homes and lands. They established an association that enables direct sales to consumers, evolving from small-scale artisanal production to more advanced agro-industrial practices.
FEST plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic stabilization of households affected by forced displacement, fostering human and social capital, ensuring food security, improving living conditions, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
In 2016, Social Prosperity and Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) implemented complementary projects to strengthen community-led initiatives. These efforts encompassed health, education, housing, sanitation, and food security. Through rigorous intervention, ongoing support, and strategic alliances, these initiatives have contributed to lasting success for over a decade.
Recovered communities and culture-Discovery Channel
Comunidades y cultura recuperadas. Un proyecto de Discovery Channel llamado Prosperidad social.
In June 2009, violent clashes between illegal armed groups forced residents of the KM 28, Chilvicito, and Pindales villages along the Pasto-Tumaco Road to flee to urban centres, leaving them without the necessary resources to navigate unfamiliar environments.
Over the years, these displaced communities faced immense challenges. However, a group of women leaders took the initiative to rebuild their lives, returning to their lands to restore their culture and livelihoods. They focused on improving food accessibility and self-sufficiency, exploring sustainable solutions to enhance productivity and strengthen community leadership.
Social Prosperity, in partnership with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), has supported thousands of people in Colombia through various projects, including FEST (Families in Their Land). This program contributes to the socioeconomic stabilization of displaced households by reinforcing human and social capital, ensuring food security, improving living conditions, and fostering the development of sustainable livelihoods.
In KM 28, Chilvicito, and Pindales, the community built three huts with vegetable gardens and recycling centres while also engaging in educational and community-driven projects.
To further support these efforts, the Colombian Government has designed, developed, and executed hundreds of complementary projects to enhance community-led initiative. These projects span various sectors, including health, education, housing, sanitation, food security, income generation, environmental sustainability, industrial safety, and institutional support for public, private, and grassroots organizations.
The success of these interventions is rooted in rigorous implementation, ongoing support, and respectful collaborations with diverse sectors, strengthened by strategic alliances. Over more than a decade, organizations like Social Prosperity and PADF have achieved significant, positive outcomes through their commitment to empowering and working alongside these communities.
Strengthening ancestral cultures - Discovery Channel
Sometimes the most relaxing place to travel is nowhere at all.
In Colombia, Indigenous groups continue to strive to preserve their traditions and languages. In collaboration with Social Prosperity and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the Colombian government supports Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities through the IRACA® program—an initiative designed to foster comprehensive development while honoring cultural heritage.
One such community is the Piaroas, located in the Serrapia region of Vichada, Colombia. Having lived in isolation for many years, they face challenges in commercializing their crafts and struggle to maximize profits. Deeply connected to nature, the Piaroas rely entirely on the resources provided by the jungle.
To improve their quality of life, Social Prosperity, PADF, and the Colombian government established an ecological system through the IRACA® program. This initiative promotes food security and sustainable practices, empowering the community to thrive while preserving their way of life.
As part of these efforts, the Piaroas received solar-powered refrigerators, enabling them to store their products without emitting harmful gases into the environment. Additionally, the Colombian government implemented various projects to complement the community’s initiatives. These efforts span multiple sectors, including health, education, housing, sanitation, food security, income generation, environmental conservation, industrial safety, and institutional support.
The success of these interventions is rooted in their rigorous implementation, ongoing support, respectful engagement with diverse stakeholders, and the establishment of strategic alliances—ensuring that development efforts align with the community’s values and long-term sustainability.