The World Council of Credit Unions (Woccu) has been leading an economic inclusion project in Peru which has helped recently settled Venezuelans restore their livelihoods in a new country.
Funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Economic Inclusion Project has been developed in collaboration with the Unión Venezolana en Perú, a local NGO.
A key focus is to help Venezuelan migrants set up enterprises – offering them training in interpersonal and business management skills, and in developing go-to-market business plans.
Two virtual workshops were held recently to improve their entrepreneurial skills; the first focused on generating new business ideas, the second on helping existing entrepreneurs work out ways to strengthen their businesses and recover from the impact of Covid-19.
Attenees included Gabriela Serrano, a 35- year-old professional from Venezuela who produces accessories for women using local Peruvian fabrics and metals.
She told Woccu: “With this programme we can open up a path towards becoming successful entrepreneurs in a country that offers many possibilities.”
The entrepreneurs completing the programme will get to test their products and services before they go to market and may also be able to access savings, loans and insurance funding.
The Economic Inclusion Project has helped 50 Venezuelan doctors begin the process of revalidating their medical degrees and professional credentials in order to legally work as doctors in their host country. The project has also identified 100 teachers to support with training and connect them to job openings, including those offered by the Peruvian government and private organizations.
Woccu has set a target to support 10,000 Venezuelans and locals, including 2,000 professionals, with training in soft skills, managerial skills and financial services.
