November 9, 2023 – Since 2014, WPDI has been running a series of programs in Mexico, focusing on Peacebuilding and Livelihoods in locations lacking in basic socio-economic infrastructure, access to education or training programs focused on economic development and empowerment. Giving communities a platform to flourish and develop their local economies independently is, we believe, key for improving their chance of sustaining peace and avoiding conflict and poverty. We currently run programs in Tijuana in the north and Chiapas in the south of the country, with a particular focus on female empowerment.
Last month, WPDI’s Executive Director, Caroline Descombris, carried out a mission to the country to assess programs, meet with beneficiaries and partners, and also to connect with our colleagues who implement WPDI’s mandate in the field on a day to day basis.
In Tijuana, the Executive Director assessed the Women Livelihood Program that we established in recent years with the support of the L’Oréal Fund for Women, with a particular focus on migrant women. After attending a business training session with one group at the Instituto Municipal de la Mujer, the Municipal Women’s Institute of Tijuana, she participated in the program’s first Business Plan Competition. At the end of the competition, four promising projects were selected to receive backstopping and financial support. It proved highly insightful to meet directly with so many committed women determined to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and communities.
The Executive Director, who was accompanied by her chief of staff, Valentine Goret, also had the opportunity to visit two of our partner schools, where she exchanged with students and parents participating in our Conflict Resolution Education training program. Additionally, she participated in the graduation ceremony of a group of ICT trainees at our Community Learning Center, who were very proud to receive their certificate from the very hands of the Executive Director.
For the second part of her evaluation mission, Caroline Descombris flew to Chiapas in the south of the country to meet some of the most inspirational youths and women who have been committed to transforming their communities for the better through WPDI Peacebuilding and Business programs. First stop was our Community Learning Center in Mitontic, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. The good progress accomplished at the Center since its inauguration is a very positive omen since it was established and is managed by two of our youth peacemakers. Their success invites an in-depth strategic reflection on the possibility and feasibility of replicating this initiative as an approach to eventually transferring operations to local stakeholders.
WPDI’s Executive Director also presided over two graduation ceremonies. The first one was for a group of youths in a secluded school in the mountains around San Cristóbal who participated in a WPDI ICT course. These communities are often lacking in digital literacy, so it was wonderful to see these youths enjoy access to the internet and learn about digital. The other was for a group of indigenous women who trained in Business and Entrepreneurship with WPDI. These are some of the country’s most vulnerable women, and giving them a chance to build a future for themselves is extremely empowering.
To mark the end of the visit, a cultural and entrepreneurial event was organized at the Centro Cultural El Carmen, which featured traditional music and dance. Most importantly, a fair was held in which businesses supported by WPDI could showcase their products and present their businesses. The quality and branding of some products were very impressive, testifying to the relevance of our livelihood program.
The Mexico field mission was a great success, because it allowed our team from HQ to gain a better understanding of our impact on the ground and learn lessons directly from local partners and stakeholders. It was also uplifting to have the opportunity to meet with so many individuals expressing their enthusiasm for our work in the country.
For more pictures and details about the visit, check out our Instagram highlight “Mexico 23”!
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