Support from TİKA to Professional Training in Colombia

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) opened carpentry and welding workshops with the Municipality of Cartagena and Cartagena Workshop School to contribute to professional training in Cartagena.

Carpentry and welding are traditional occupations in Colombia, but professional training opportunities in these fields are rather limited in Cartagena, one of the five biggest Colombian cities. Therefore, TİKA opened workshops where young people aged 16-29 of Cartagena can receive professional training and learn professions. The objective of these workhouses is to help young people to have a sustainable income and keep away from illegal organizations. It is foreseen that at least 150 young people will benefit from the workshops in 2023.

“The project aims to help young people acquire learning skills”

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogota, Beste Pehlivan Sun gave a speech at the opening ceremony and stated that the most important objective of the project is to help young people acquire learning skills. Sun said, “In this way, traditional professions will be maintained, and young people will be given an important opportunity. On this occasion, I would like to thank TİKA for putting this project into practice.”

Mayor of Cartagena, Willian Dau Chamat gave a speech at the opening ceremony, too and said:

“As the administration, we are aware that poverty is one of the most important problems in Cartagena. This problem has worsened especially with the Covid-19 pandemics. However, with this project, we will be able to help young people learn a profession and ensure their integration into the society with an enterprising spirit. Therefore, on behalf of the young people in Cartagena, I would like to thank TİKA for its support in this project.”